One of the primary topics was the city’s approach to homelessness, particularly during the harsh winter months. Michael Dion, Director of Community Development, presented data on the city’s shelters, emphasizing that the overflow shelter at the Tomato Center never reached full capacity. Despite this, instances of exceeding capacity were recorded at Stepping Stone, a cold weather shelter, where a state grant had been used to augment capacity by renting motel rooms. Dion also discussed the Point in Time counts, which revealed a decrease from 215 homeless individuals in 2025 to 151 in 2026, although he believed these numbers were underreported due to counting restrictions.

Another aspect of the discussion was the dual crisis of addiction and mental health issues among the homeless population. It was estimated that 75% of the homeless in Fall River suffer from addiction, with many also facing mental health challenges. Participants in the meeting debated the effectiveness of current programs and the need for a shift from temporary relief to more sustainable interventions, such as transitional housing and mental health support. One council member proposed inviting individuals experiencing homelessness to speak directly to the council, seeking firsthand insights into their needs.

A member of the public criticized the allocation of resources, arguing that the city had focused on newcomers while existing residents remained underserved. In response, a council member highlighted the success of the EWE program, funded by opioid abuse money, which boasts a high success rate in helping individuals find stability.

The debate touched on the limitations of current funding sources, with criticism directed at the “housing first” model. Some argued it complicated efforts to support sobriety and called for a reassessment of mental health intervention laws. A working group was proposed.

Discussions also addressed the barriers faced by the homeless in accessing essential documents, a issue that complicates efforts to secure housing and benefits. The council expressed frustration over the inadequacy of local measures without state-level support.

The meeting concluded with a motion to table the discussion and invite state and federal representatives to future meetings. Other agenda items included updates on the water supply and infrastructure, with a focus on ongoing maintenance and the impact of external projects on water quality.