First Step Shelter
Working Toward Justice for the Homeless
Since 2011 F.A.I.T.H. has been addressing the problems surrounding homelessness in Volusia County.
After a successful partnership with Judge Bell Schumann and Daytona Beach Chief of Police, we started the "Save Docket" that provides an alternative to arrest for non-violent misdemeanor offenses committed by people unable to pay the fine or provide a permanent address. While this has proved effective in saving Volusia County taxpayers an average of $375,000 a year by decriminalizing homelessness, homelessness remains an epidemic.
Over the next five years, FAITH organized to win support from city and county governments to create a desperately needed homeless assistance center in Volusia County.
With the help of Catholic Charities of Central Florida, HUM, and Halifax Hospital, FAITH wrote the comprehensive business plan for what would eventually become First Step Shelter.
At the 2017 Action Assembly, FAITH won the commitments necessary to make First Step Shelter a reality.
