New Bedford Homeless Shelters Cost Thousands a Night

This week's Southcoast Health Community Spotlight shines on Rise Up For Homes.

The bitter cold we've been experiencing in January has been a stark reminder of the issue of homelessness in New Bedford.

As temperatures dipped into the teens—and even the single digits at times—concerns arose about life-threatening conditions. Whenever temperatures drop below 30 degrees, Rise Up For Homes, led by Reverend David Lima, shifts into high gear.

"We've been open over 40 nights so far this year. We've gone below 30 degrees every night since the new year, and it looks like we'll be below 30 for another six or seven days at least. So, we are seeing record numbers in terms of expenses. We're also seeing record numbers in the shelter this month, aside from the regular shelter beds that already exist. The overflow is handling somewhere in the vicinity of 70 to 80 people a night."

FLASHBACK: Gazelle once spent the night in a cardboard box in New Bedford.

Those rooms cost roughly $100 a night, double occupancy, which Reverend Lima says leaves Rise Up For Homes with a cost of approximately $3,500 or more per night just for the shelter. That figure does not include transportation or food. New Bedford's homeless shelters are simply overwhelmed right now. "It's pretty horrendous, actually," said Reverend Lima.

Donations Needed

There are three easy ways to donate to Rise Up For Homes:

1. Donate at riseupforhomes.com.
2. Send a donation to First Citizens Federal Credit Union, 200 Mill Street, Fairhaven.
3. Donate through the Interchurch Council, sending it in care of "Rise Up."

Reverend Lima hopes that some local businesses might step in to sponsor a night or two to help with the remainder of the winter.