More Than a Bed: How First Step Communities Helps Sacramento Residents Rebuild Their Lives

For someone experiencing homelessness, the immediate challenges can consume every waking hour. Finding somewhere to sleep. Getting food. Staying safe. Finding an outlet to charge a phone before losing contact with potential employers, healthcare providers, or family.

Planning for the future becomes difficult when surviving the present requires so much attention.

First Step Communities works to create the stability that makes those plans possible. The Sacramento nonprofit operates four shelters with 415 beds, offering a place to stay alongside dedicated support to help residents reconnect with services, pursue housing, and rebuild their lives.

Its approach begins with a belief that people need to feel safe before they can move forward.

A Foundation of Safety and Trust

First Step Communities began in 2015, growing from founder Steve Waters’ volunteer work and his concern for people whose complicated needs left them poorly served by existing programs.

Early efforts included a winter sanctuary program with churches opening their doors to people needing protection from the weather. Over time, the organization developed shelters operating around the clock, with case management and services available to help residents take their next steps.

Today, that work includes people who have spent years without stable housing. According to Joe Pacheco, approximately 80% of those entering First Step Communities’ shelters have experienced homelessness for more than a year. About 60% have been homeless for three years or longer.

Those experiences shape how the organization welcomes people.

Pacheco describes the approach as “radical hospitality.” During a resident’s first two weeks, staff focus on meeting immediate needs, establishing relationships, and helping the person feel comfortable enough to stay.

Two shelters accept pets, recognizing that an animal may be someone’s closest companion and an important source of security. Removing that barrier can make accepting shelter possible.

Each resident receives a dedicated case manager who remains with them throughout their stay. Together, they develop an individualized plan that reflects the person’s health, employment history, housing barriers, and goals.

Bringing Services Within Reach

A shelter address, reliable phone access, and somewhere to receive mail can restore connections that many people take for granted. Computer access and help preparing a résumé make applying for work possible. Assistance navigating benefits and rental applications helps turn intentions into practical steps.

Healthcare is another central part of the work.

First Step Communities collaborates with approximately 37 nonprofits and government agencies to bring services to its shelters. Those relationships reduce transportation barriers and help residents access care in a familiar setting.

Life Practice Counseling Group provides on-site therapy. Grant support helps bridge the cost for people whose coverage is not yet in place. Other partners include Elica Health, Wellness Without Walls, and the Willow Clinic, providing access to physical healthcare.

Pacheco says the organization’s experience tracking healthcare connections has reinforced their importance to housing outcomes. Feeling physically and emotionally better gives residents a stronger foundation for pursuing employment, managing responsibilities, and planning for housing.

Supporting Young Adults

At The Grove, First Step Communities serves young adults ages 18–24, many of whom have aged out of foster care.

These residents may be entering adulthood without the family support others rely on when money runs short, a job falls through, or a new responsibility becomes overwhelming.

The shelter provides a temporary support network while residents work toward independence. Counseling, employment assistance, and help preparing for rental housing are part of that process.

Across the organization, residents who move into permanent housing stay an average of approximately nine months, Pacheco reports. That time allows people to stabilize, address barriers, and prepare for the responsibilities that come with a home.

A New Chapter After 25 Years

One resident’s experience illustrates the difference sustained support can make.

Samantha had spent 25 years in and out of homelessness. Previous shelter and program experiences had ended without lasting stability, and she had lost hope.

At First Step Communities, she connected with healthcare, entered an outpatient substance use program, and participated in on-site therapy. Eventually, she moved into her own apartment.

Two years later, she remained housed.

Her story reflects the organization’s founding purpose: creating opportunities for people whose needs have made it difficult to succeed elsewhere.

Keeping the Door Open After Move-In

Getting an apartment is a major achievement. Keeping it can require continued support.

First Step Communities offers some former residents access to a case manager for up to a year after they move into housing. That person can help when a landlord issue arises, employment changes, or another problem threatens their stability.

Pacheco reports that 95% of clients receiving this yearlong aftercare support remain housed after that year.

Philanthropy helps fund that work, along with therapy, healthcare connections, and assistance removing financial barriers to housing. Expanding those resources would allow the organization to support more people through the transition.

The goal is a future in which people can live as neighbors, coworkers, and community members, with the stability to write their own next chapter.

Learn more or support First Step Communities at https://firststepcommunities.org.