Overview
What is First Step Housing?
First Step Housing is a nonprofit organization based in Sacramento, California, dedicated to addressing the issue of homelessness. Their mission, in line with the Housing First model, is to provide temporary housing and supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness, aiming to help them transition to permanent housing. The organization focuses on serving chronically homeless adults, a vulnerable population often struggling to secure housing and necessary services. In 2022, First Step Housing expanded collaborative services and implemented measures to ensure the safety of clients during the pandemic. They also worked on expanding sites and improving facilities at various locations.
Official website here: www.firststepcommunities.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 96%, Four-Star out of Four Stars
First Step Housing has achieved an impressive Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its strong commitment to accountability and financial transparency. The organization scored exceptionally high in all evaluated areas, particularly in accountability and finance, where it received a perfect score in several categories, including governance and financial oversight. The use of an independent board and the absence of material asset diversions further bolsters its reputation.
The organization's focus on financial health is evident, with a program expense ratio of 97.31%, indicating that the majority of its funds are directed towards its programs rather than administrative costs. This high level of efficiency demonstrates First Step Housing's dedication to maximizing the impact of donor contributions. Additionally, the presence of robust policies, such as conflict of interest and whistleblower protections, showcases a strong ethical framework that supports its operations.
While the data reflects strong performance, it is important for potential donors and stakeholders to continuously monitor the organization’s activities and outcomes. The high ratings are a positive indication, but ongoing evaluation will help ensure that First Step Housing maintains its effectiveness and accountability in the long term.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is First Step Housing legitimate?
First Step Housing is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. First Step Housing submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $216,774
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $3,782,991
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.firststepcommunities.org
What is the mission statement of First Step Housing?
First Step Communities aims to create interim housing and emergency shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness, providing them with safety, dignity, and necessary services. By doing so, the organization facilitates a first step towards self-sufficiency and permanent housing. The organization upholds the Housing First model, prioritizing housing for clients and coordinating access to required services. Despite funding challenges, First Step Communities remains committed to serving vulnerable populations, particularly chronically homeless adults, as they transition through interim services, ultimately preparing them for rapid rehousing programs. The organization has also emphasized integrating shelter and healthcare services to address the growing behavioral health and substance use disorder crisis. In 2022, First Step Communities focused on expanding collaborative services and ensuring client safety during the pandemic.
Official website here: www.firststepcommunities.org
What is the revenue of First Step Housing?
First Step Housing's revenue in 2023 was $7,102,829.
Official website here: www.firststepcommunities.org
Who are the executives of First Step Housing and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at First Step Housing during 2023 was $22,471. There are 178 employees and 20 volunteers at First Step Housing.
Here are 7 key members and their salaries:
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $122,500
- Related: $0
- Other: $2,467
- Compensation: $91,340
- Related: $0
- Other: $467
Official website here: www.firststepcommunities.org
Where can I find the form 990 for First Step Housing?
First Step Housing's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.firststepcommunities.org
Learn more at the official website: www.firststepcommunities.org
Mission Statement of First Step Housing
First Step Communities, a nonprofit organization, aims to create interim housing and emergency shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness. Their mission is to provide a safe and dignified living environment for these individuals, allowing them to receive the necessary services and take the first step towards self-sufficiency and permanent housing. The organization supports the HUD's Housing First model, which prioritizes housing for homeless individuals and coordinates access to required services. First Step Communities' primary focus is on chronically homeless adults, who often find it challenging to secure housing and services. The organization's mission is to help this vulnerable population by providing shelter and services, with the goal of preparing them for rapid rehousing programs that align with the Housing First model and promote a successful transition to permanent housing. In 2022, First Step Communities expanded its collaborative services and prioritized bringing shelter and healthcare services models together to address the growing behavioral health and substance use disorder crisis. During the pandemic, the organization ensured the safety of its clients, many of whom were medically vulnerable, by implementing plans to test, handle outbreaks, and collaborate with health services.
Shop smarter and support your favorite cause with the Give Freely browser extension. Save money with coupons and donate to charity with a single click. Download now!
Impact
October, 2024
First Step Housing has a significant impact on addressing homelessness in Sacramento by providing interim housing and emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. The organization focuses on creating environments where clients can live safely and with dignity, while also offering the essential services they need to begin the transition away from homelessness.
By implementing the Housing First model endorsed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), First Step Housing prioritizes placing individuals in permanent housing and coordinating access to wrap-around services. This approach effectively addresses the broader challenges faced by chronically homeless adults, who often struggle to find stable housing and support. The organization actively works to bridge the gap between the increasing need for affordable housing and the limited resources available.
In 2022, First Step Housing emphasized the importance of integrated shelter and healthcare services, particularly in response to the growing behavioral health and substance use disorder crises. They expanded collaborative services, adapting to changes necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic to keep their medically vulnerable clients safe. Notable achievements include the development of new emergency bridge housing for transition-age youth and relocating sanctioned tent encampments to safer, more appropriate sites.
With 24/7 support across various facilities, First Step Housing ensures access to meals, showers, sanitation, and case management. These comprehensive services help prepare individuals for rapid rehousing programs aligned with the Housing First philosophy, fostering a successful transition to permanent housing and greater self-sufficiency.
This information is meant to be a general summary of First Step Housing. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2023.
- Investment Income: $9
- Program Service Revenue: $17,384
- Gross Receipts: $7,102,829
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $1,365,891
- Total Liabilities: $541,899
- Net Assets: $823,992
Want to help this charity, for free? You can click here to learn more about Give Freely
Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
CASE MANAGEMENT SERVIC
Revenue
$12,046
OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES
Revenue
$5,338
Organization Details
Founding Year
2015
Principal Officer
Stephen Watters
Website
www.firststepcommunities.orgNTEE Category
Code: A20 - Arts
If you are a representative of First Step Housing and wish to learn more about how Give Freely can help you raise funds, please click here: https://givefreely.com/nonprofits/. Our services are offered at no cost to your organization.