After over a decade of debate and planning there is finally a homeless shelter in Daytona Beach. The First Step Shelter held its grand Opening in Daytona Beach on Wednesday. The 15,000 square foot facility will take in its first tenants on Monday Dec. 16. The facility will begin with filling 40 beds but will eventually house over 120 men and women. The shelter will have the capacity for a total of 168 beds. Currently there are 25 beds in the men's dormitory. The facility also has a women's dormitory, dining hall and several offices. It provides employment services, transportation, case management, jail diversion, help with old criminal cases and more for its tenants. Florida Blue, Halifax Health and Advent Health will work together to provide medical treatment. Stewart-Marchman will also be onsite to assist with mental health and substance abuse.
To be admitted to the shelter a person must be referred by a church, social service organization or law enforcement. Law enforcement has the authority to transport homeless people to the shelter.
The facility is owned by the city of Daytona Beach and is overseen by First Step Shelter, Inc. a non-profit set up by the city. Catholic Charities of Central Florida, a faith based social service organization runs the shelter's operations.