In February this year, Fall River counted 140 people living on the streets — and it may not be possible to find beds for all of them before the winter arrives.

 

And one homeless advocate said even if shelter is available, the barriers to entry may be too high for people to stay there.

 

At an Oct. 22 meeting of the City Council, Community Development Agency Director Michael Dion said, “Homelessness in Massachusetts and in Fall River is an issue that needs constant attention.”

 

According to data supplied at the meeting, Massachusetts ranks seventh out of 10 states with the largest homeless population in the United States. Massachusetts has 15,507 total homeless people, with 223 per 1,000 residents, Dion said.

 

“We worked very hard to establish a relationship with them, and we do know where they are located,” Dion said, adding that now more than ever, the city combats homelessness with very scarce resources.

 

The First Step Inn at 134 Durfee St. is at capacity year-round, though it recently increased its number of beds from 20 to 30. Dion said there is talk of bumping up the shelter to 50 beds year-round.

 

Read more at heraldnews.com.