When Massachusetts Department of Transportation notified the city a few weeks ago it was going to break up three homeless encampments along state land abutting Interstate 195 and Route 24 for safety concerns, Fall River's outreach team, which has for a number of years been aiding the homeless and drug-addicted, knew it had to step up its game. 

About 20 of the approximately 40 to 45 people displaced from the dismantled homeless camps and others have agreed to participate in a pilot program designed by the team dubbed Enhancement Without Encampment. 

It’s an initiative the team — consisting of the city's outreach team, the mayor’s office, Community Development Agency and several community partners — are hoping will continue the momentum started by Mayor Paul Coogan. 

The team spoke with The Herald News recently about their mission and the strides made in the battle against substance abuse and homelessness. 

Read more at heraldnews.com.