The Jubilee Year of Hope ends with a special Mass on the Feast of the Holy Family Diocese of Fall River, Mass. † Friday, January 9, 2026
Catholic Charities empowers homeless youth through transitional housing program By Joan D. Warren Editor
joandwarren@anchornews.org
NEW BEDFORD— For many young adults, the path from adolescence to independence is filled with uncertainty. For those experiencing homelessness or housing instability, the journey can be especially daunting. Recognizing this growing need, Catholic Charities of Fall River launched its Transitional Youth Housing Program in 2023 — and already, lives are being transformed. Designed for individuals ages 18–24 from the Bristol County area, the program serves young adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness under Massachusetts state guidelines. Funding comes from a $492,500 contract with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). Since its inception, the program has helped more than 25 young adults move into stable, independent housing. In just the past quarter, 11 participants successfully transitioned into longterm living arrangements. “Our goal is to help each participant become fully self-sufficient and independent within 24 months,” said program coordinator Rosa Albassan, who brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the role. Once homeless herself at age 20, she
knows the challenges firsthand. “It was a Catholic organization that helped me. We lived in a shelter for seven months. I worked three jobs and eventually became self-sufficient. I know how hard it is — but I also know it’s possible.” The program offers 14 beds Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., celebrated Holy Mass on Sunacross several scattered-site day, December 28, in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption apartments in New Bedford and in Fall River. The Mass was said in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Fall River, including studio units, two-bedroom apartments, and one emergency occupancy unit. All apartments are fully furnished and privately owned by local landlords, providing a sense of dignity and normalcy that traditional By Joan D. Warren shelters often cannot. Editor Participants, who average 21 joandwarren@anchornews.org to 22 years old, enter the program through self-referrals, shelters, or NORTH EASTON — Couples partner agencies. Many are naviin the region are invited to renew gating their first episode of homeand strengthen their marriages lessness, while others are aging at the next Worldwide Marriage out of the Department of Children Encounter (WWME) experience, and Families (DCF) system or can January 23–25, a weekend deeven strong marriages encounter no longer remain with family due signed to help engaged and marseasons of strain. When they do, to conflict or changes in public ried couples grow deeper in love, many couples discover that renewhousing policy. Each resident may communication, and faith. al is possible when they intenbring up to three bags of belongMarriage is one of the Church’s tionally seek grace, guidance, and ings and typically stays for about most beautiful and demanding practical tools rooted in faith. a year. vocations. In the sacrament, a For more than 50 years, From day one, each young man and a woman promise beWorldwide Marriage Encounter adult is paired with one of three fore God to walk together in love, has quietly and faithfully served dedicated case managers who fidelity, and self-gift for a lifetime. the Church by helping couples support them at every step — Most couples begin this journey strengthen their marriages from beginning with mental health filled with hope, imagining a the inside out. What began as a evaluations and weekly in-person joyful home, shared dreams, and enduring companionship. Yet 8 Turn to page three 8 Turn to page three
Strengthening the Sacrament of Marriage through Worldwide Marriage Encounter
January, 9 2026 †
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