The Greater Fall River Coalition for Health and Well Being, an ad hoc group formed in response to the challenges posed by homeless families living in local motels while they await placement in permanent housing, organized a holiday meal delivery for families on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 2013. Over 30 volunteers helped to deliver over 160 meals each day from the Saint Anne's Hospital who donated the food and prepared a holiday meal for each person. This is part of a group effort to provide resources and assistance to families who are placed by the Mass. Department of Housing and Community Development from all parts of the state and by the City of Fall River from Coville properties. Families remain in these placements anywhere from a few weeks to many months. With only a small refrigerator and a microwave, preparation of healthy meals is all but impossible. In addition to these volunteers, dozens of others from local churches have been providing assistance with transportation, clothing, diapers, personal care items and other necessities. The Coalition for Health and Well Being” was organized through United Neighbors of Fall River and Partners for a Healthier Community to problem-solve and to assist agencies in providing services to this very vulnerable population. For more information, contact Wendy Garf-Lipp at 508-324-7900, Ext. 102.

(Top row) Nicole Rioux directs Sean Connell and Cantor Shoshana Brown as the team delivering to one of the motels gets organized. (Row two) Barbara Papa of the Department of Developmental Services, left, works with volunteers to distribute meals and bags.  (Row three) Valerie Bassett picks up a stack of grocery bags donated by the Cranston Trader Joes so the teams can divide the meals up by family group at the motel. (Bottom row) Teams including Diana Painter, center, then begin delivering meals to the motel rooms for the families to heat up and enjoy.