First Step Shelter

10/05/2026

✨ EXCITING THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT FIRST STEP SHELTER! ✨

First Step Shelter’s new Executive Director, Ms. Susan Clark, is ready to bring some exciting new projects and ideas to FSS—some that we’ve never seen before! 💜💙

Ms. Clark believes that “Everyone deserves dignity, respect, and above all, a bunch of love.” ❤️

And that belief is at the heart of everything we do.

🏠 One individual at a time, we solve homelessness!

And we have some incredible news to celebrate…

🎉 In September alone, First Step Shelter helped 44 individuals find housing! 🎉

44 INDIVIDUALS.
ONE MONTH.
44 NEW BEGINNINGS. 🏡❤️

That is absolutely phenomenal—and it’s only the beginning!

We are excited about what’s ahead for First Step Shelter and the lives we’ll continue to change together. Because behind every number is a person, a story, and a new opportunity.

One person at a time. One step at a time. One home at a time.

💜 A Path to Housing Changes Everything. 💙

09/29/2026

- A BIG thank you to Gloria F. for her generous donation!! 😊
- A BIG thank you to Julie G. for her generous donation!! 🙂

We thank you in advance!! Here is the link for easy access: https://a.co/0ctezuHP

09/23/2026

09/19/2026

A big THANK YOU to Port Orange Elks Lodge #2723 for providing lunch to our Residents today! On the menu were grilled cheeseburgers, hot dogs, coleslaw, chips, brownies and drinks! We appreciate you all!

09/11/2026

💙 HELP US FILL OUR WISH LIST! 💙

First Step Shelter is in urgent need of clothing and personal items for the men and women we serve. Every donation helps provide someone experiencing homelessness with something as basic—and important—as clean, comfortable clothing.

Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. Thank you for helping First Step Shelter provide dignity, stability, and hope to those in our community. 💙

09/04/2026

✨This special evening will benefit First Step Shelter, helping provide new beginnings for members of our community. ✨

Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable evening of magic, elegance and giving back! 🎩💫

08/29/2026

Just sayin....outside exercise 💪 for all

🌿Our Outdoor Spaces Series spotlights the multi-sport field this week!

This space brings opportunity for structured recreation, clinics, STEM-based nature lessons, and sports leagues. It will provide a place for our young guests to interact with their peers, build relationships with friends and coaches, and experience the positive physical and mental effects that exercising and being outdoors can have on an individual.

08/28/2026

Please give a warm welcome to our new Executive Director Susan Clark!

Susan Clark brings more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, behavioral health, program development, financial management, grant funding, and community-based services. Her career has included extensive work with individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and other barriers to stability.
Clark will focus on strengthening shelter operations, expanding funding opportunities, supporting staff and volunteers, and building strong community partnerships throughout Volusia County.
“I am honored to serve First Step Shelter and support its mission,” Clark said. “I look forward to working with the Board, staff, volunteers, community partners, and residents to strengthen the organization’s impact and help individuals move toward stability and permanent housing.”
A longtime Volusia County resident, Clark brings a strong commitment to integrity, accountability, compassion, fiscal responsibility, and collaborative leadership.

Susan Clark, BA, CAP, ICADC

04/17/2026

https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/homelessness/2026/04/15/daytona-beach-homeless-shelter-director-resigning/89606821007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=false&gca-epti=z117571p118450l004350c118450e112780v117571&gca-ft=10&gca-ds=sophi

Victoria Fahlberg has led Daytona Beach's shelter for homeless adults since 2019. Under her leadership the shelter has helped more than 2,400 people.