First Step Communities

Reviewed by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation
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$53 raised by 1 donor

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$20,000 Goal

First Step Communities (FSC), a Sacramento-based nonprofit established in 2015, has been at the forefront of providing low-barrier emergency shelter and essential social services to the most vulnerable homeless adults in the region. Moving beyond traditional shelters, FSC actively works towards empowering individuals to break the cycle of homelessness through comprehensive support. Acknowledged for its collaborative approach with community organizations, innovative initiatives, and unique methodology, FSC stands as a leader in Sacramento's homeless services.

Presently, FSC operates various programs, including North A Street, The Grove, Roseville Road Campus, and Warming/Cooling Centers, with plans to introduce additional programs. For a detailed understanding of each program, visit firststepcommunities.org.

FSC's programs are designed to address the immediate needs of individuals experiencing homelessness by providing food, temporary shelter, case management, and other essential services, aiming to establish long-term stability. Recognizing the diversity of challenges faced by the homeless, FSC maintains low-barrier programs, ensuring minimal requirements for entry, and extends support to the most vulnerable, holding the belief that everyone deserves compassionate assistance.

Acknowledging the intersection of medical care and shelter as a critical necessity, FSC has forged partnerships to integrate health services into its operations. Collaborating with The Willow Clinic, a team of UC Davis medical students, FSC now operates a free medical clinic at North A Street, accessible to all unsheltered individuals in the River District. Remarkably, 41% of North A participants connected with Willow Clinic have successfully transitioned into permanent housing. Additional partnerships, such as the one with Wellness without Walls and Elica, have brought monthly on-site medical services to multiple locations.

Addressing the pressing need for on-site mental health services, FSC has partnered with Life Practice Counseling Group to provide crisis-oriented individual and group therapy. In 2023, at The Grove, a significant 70% of individuals engaging in these therapy services successfully transitioned into permanent housing.

Looking ahead, FSC remains dedicated to community collaboration and plans to expand on-site services, playing a pivotal role in empowering individuals to end their homelessness journey.

Giving Activity

Mission

First Step Communities will create interim housing and emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Here they will live in safety and dignity, receive the extensive case management and supportive services they require to take a First Step away from homelessness toward self-sufficiency and permanent housing.

Needs

Homelessness presents a multifaceted challenge that affects us all. At First Step Communities, we are committed to pioneering innovative solutions to address homelessness and eliminate obstacles to vital support services. Our clients confront various barriers, including housing insecurity, unemployment, limited access to education, mental health struggles, and inadequate medical care. By securing additional resources, we can empower our clients to overcome these barriers and access the essential assistance required to transition out of homelessness. Whether it's obtaining a food handler’s card for a new job, arranging transportation for a crucial doctor’s appointment, providing hygiene products for those moving into our shelters, or supplying art materials for a wellness group, every need we address directly enhances the lives of our clients and fosters tangible improvements in their day-to-day experiences.

Equity Statement

In an ongoing effort to achieve the FSC mission we reaffirm our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). We are proud that our employee base reflects people of all ethnicities, genders and preferences. Our diverse workforce possesses the skillsets and understanding of working with trauma-based methods to achieve our objectives. All employees are encouraged to bring their individual talents into our FSC culture to collaborate with others and to best serve the most vulnerable individuals in our community.

Get Involved

View our current participation opportunities.

In-Person Event

Community Connection at Roseville Road Campus

Roseville Road Campus

April 30, 2024 - May 1, 2024

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

First Step Communities

other names

FSC

Year Established

2015

Tax id (EIN)

35-2537631

Mission Category

Housing, Shelter

Operating Budget

$5,000,001-$10 million

Organization Need

Funding: Unrestricted, Funding: Program, In-Kind Donations, Other

Demographics Served

Individuals with disabilities, Low-income individuals/families, Homeless/Underhoused/Unhoused

Local Counties Served

Sacramento

Equity Statement

Equity Statement

Address

1400 North A Street, Building A
Sacramento, CA 95811

Service areas

Sacramento County, CA, US

Phone

916-822-4900

fax

916-389-0240

Email

frontdesk@firststepcommunities.org

Website

http://www.firststepcommunities.org

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