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First Step Shelter looking for additional funding to continue mission of helping Volusia homeless

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — First Step Shelter has been helping adults in Volusia County since 2019.

Over the years, First Step has not been just a place to sleep and get a hot meal. It also offered counseling services and job assistance.

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Joanne Gibson was homeless and living out of her car before she got help through First Step.

They helped me so much. I’m telling you, it’s indescribable”, Gibson said.

Gibson said the shelter helped her find work, and even an apartment.

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Volusia County gave the shelter $219,000 in rapid housing funds to help people transition from homelessness into permanent housing.

Now, with those funds set to run out, First Step will have to look to other sources of funding.

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Until another source can be found, the shelter will rely on donations from outside sources to continue its mission.

To help or make a donation, click here.

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Matt Reeser

Matt Reeser, WFTV.com

Matt Reeser joined WFTV in 1998 as a news photographer and has worked for television stations in Kentucky and West Virginia.