Fall River hearing draws nonprofits seeking CDBG, HOME and ESG support as application deadline nears

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Nonprofit providers and economic-development partners urged the Fall River Community Development Agency (FRCDA) on Jan. 7 to maintain federal and local support for housing, homeless services and youth programs as the agency develops Year 2 of its five-year consolidated plan.

Michael Dion, executive director and CFO of the FRCDA, opened the hearing and described the agency’s role administering U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs for the city. “Each year, FRCDA receives approximately $10,000,000 in federal, state, and private funds,” Dion said, and he explained the agency will use testimony and written requests to shape the annual action plan for the program year beginning July 1, 2026.

Why it matters: The plan guides how CDBG (Community Development Block Grant), HOME and ESG (Emergency Solutions Grant) dollars are allocated in Fall River. Dion told attendees the agency estimates about $2.4 million for CDBG activities, $1.165 million for HOME and $227,000 for ESG for the coming fiscal year, assuming level federal funding.

Speakers emphasized services tied to those dollars. Kenneth Faiola, executive vice president of Bristol County Economic Development Consultants, noted his office’s long history securing CDBG funds and said his organization “will be filing a complete application” before the Jan. 21 deadline.

Grace Gurlan, executive director of Greater Fall River Recreation Committee, asked for continued CDBG support for youth development and food programs. “During the most recent program year, recreation served 690 individuals with 90% meeting HUD’s low income guidelines,” she said, and she highlighted that the organization provided more than 54,000 meals to youth and operates a pantry that served about 500 people last year.

Heather Gervais, finance and administration director for the New Bedford Women’s Center, described shelter and supportive services in the region and said the center will apply for ESG and CDBG funds to support its Fall River confidential emergency shelter. “Funding from the Fall River Community Development Agency plays a vital role in helping our survivors and their families remain in a safe and secure environment,” she said.

Sheila Chasse, director of housing at Catholic Charities of Fall River, requested continued funding to administer ESG funds and said the agency has fielded about 11 calls regarding rental assistance and has served 21 households with ESG dollars since July 2025.

Rosa Tavares, director of homeless services at Stepping Stone Incorporated, said the shelter has operated 50 beds since last November and described motel placements and winter-response coordination. “We have been providing continuous services and we’re asking for level funding,” she said, noting coordination among local providers has expanded access to case managers and temporary motel placements.

Dion reviewed procedural details: applications must be submitted to the FRCDA by Jan. 21, 2026, at 4 p.m.; copies of application forms are available at the FRCDA office, the city clerk’s office, the main public library and online at fallriverma.gov under community development forms. A public summary of the proposed Year 2 annual action plan will be published Feb. 25, 2026, and a second public hearing is scheduled for March 11, 2026; public comments will be accepted through March 30, 2026. Dion said the city council is expected to receive plan materials in April 2026 and may consider a resolution authorizing Mayor Paul E. Coogan to file the plan with HUD on or about May 6, 2026.

Next steps: Applicants and organizations that presented testimony will be considered in developing the Year 2 plan; the FRCDA will publish the draft summary on Feb. 25 and continue the review process at the March 11 hearing before forwarding recommendations to the city council.

(Reporting by local meeting transcript.)