The public is invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the First Step Shelter, which is located at 3889 International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach. Tours of the facility will follow a ceremony led by Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry, who also serves at the chair of the First Step Shelter Board and Volusia County Chair Ed Kelley.
The shelter will officially open its doors Monday, Dec. 16, and new residents will be phased in over the next several weeks. The 15,820 square-foot-shelter is Volusia County’s first transitional homeless shelter for single men and women. Funded by the City of Daytona Beach and Volusia County, the $6 million shelter will initially offer 45 beds for those seeking to stabilize their lives. When fully operational, the shelter has capacity to house up to 120 individuals. Catholic Charities will oversee operations of the shelter, which includes a health unit operated by Halifax Health and Advent Health. Stewart Marchman Act has been contracted to provide mental health and substance abuse services.
“The opening of First Step Shelter is a momentous occasion," said Mayor Henry. “We are excited for the public to join us as we celebrate its opening, and are grateful to our community partners, the county, local businesses and concerned individuals who have helped make this homeless shelter a reality. We know this shelter will have a lasting impact as it seeks to better the lives of those who are homeless in our community.”