Daytona's First Step Shelter has a new hotline and outreach program for the homeless

DAYTONA BEACH — First Step Shelter has teamed up with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office in a new effort to reach out to homeless people struggling on the streets.

A new program kicked off Aug. 1 that pairs a First Step Shelter outreach worker with a sheriff's deputy, and together the two talk to homeless people in east Volusia County and offer help.

The outreach worker and deputy respond to calls from residents and businesses when they are concerned about a person they see on the street that appears to be homeless.

First Step Shelter has set up a hotline anyone can call Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The number is 386-999-HELP.

A homeless person can also call the hotline for assistance.

"When the person is willing, they will be able to come to the safe zone where they will be evaluated for our program," said First Step Shelter Executive Director Victoria Fahlberg. "No matter the outcome, the team gives the caller a call back to explain to them what occurred and the result of their interaction with the person."

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First Step has both a residential program that helps homeless adults stabilize their lives and move into a place of their own, and an outdoor pavilion called a "safe zone" where the homeless can stay for a limited time when they need a legal place to be or they're contemplating enrolling in the residential program.

There are currently 62 people staying inside the shelter. Since First Step opened in December 2019, 592 people have taken part in the residential program and 296 of them have been housed.

'For those looking for a new path'

When the outreach worker and deputy talk to a homeless person, they explain what's available to them at First Step Shelter, which is located about five miles west of Interstate 95 along U.S. 92 in Daytona Beach.

"Our goal is to meet people where they are and give them a chance to access the services they might need," Fahlberg said. "For those who are looking for a new path, we can be that first step to starting a new life in stable housing."

The outreach program is intended to help First Step reach more homeless people in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Port Orange, Holly Hill, Daytona Beach Shores and Ponce Inlet — the six east Volusia cities that contribute funding to the First Step Shelter program.

While visiting camps and other areas, the outreach worker will invite candidates to try the shelter’s indoor residential program or secure outdoor “safe zone,” where beds, bathrooms, food and water are available. For those who accept the invitation, First Step will arrange transportation and a deputy will begin the background check process for formal admission to the shelter program.

For those who are hesitant, the hotline number will be provided in case they decide they’re interested or have more questions in the future.

"We’re proud to partner with First Step on this effort to help people change their lives," said Sheriff Mike Chitwood, who is stationing a deputy at First Step Shelter as part of the partnership. "When we find someone who’s looking to get off the street and into a safer, more stable environment, our deputies will be there to help them get through the door."

Fahlberg said the 386-999-HELP hotline will also provide clear follow-up on resident requests. When a resident or business reports an issue, the outreach team will respond, visit the subject of the call, and then report back to the caller with the results.

"There’s no quick fix to end homelessness anywhere in America, but we can make a difference in our own community by working together," said Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry, who serves as chairman of First Step Shelter’s board of directors. "With the outreach and collaboration this project brings to bear, I believe the public is going to see what’s possible for those who take advantage of everything the First Step Shelter has to offer."

In addition to shelter, First Step provides access to comprehensive health, addiction and counseling services as well as help finding employment and housing. The program’s goal is to move residents out of homelessness and into permanent housing.

First Step does not accept people who show up at the shelter without a referral from a qualifying agency or an outreach team member.

You can reach Eileen at Eileen.Zaffiro@news-jrnl.com

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Homeless in eastern Volusia County can tap new outreach program