Stepping Stones presents 2024 annual report; transitional housing model highlighted
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Summary
Representatives from Stepping Stones reported milestones from 2024 — shuttles purchased, on-site move, opening of individual shelter units and a navigation center, solar-panel work and funding for an outdoor cooking area — and described their transitional housing approach and partners.
A Stepping Stones representative updated the Umatilla City Council on the nonprofit’s 2024 activities, describing program milestones, partnerships and next steps for fundraising and facility improvements.
The presenter, identified in the meeting as Jesslyn, said highlights for 2024 included purchasing passenger shuttles in January, moving on-site in April, opening individual shelter units and a navigation center in June, hosting a first annual fundraiser in September, starting solar-panel installation in October and receiving funding in November for an outdoor cooking space and sprinkling infrastructure for the navigation center. In December the program marked its second consecutive year of overnight shelter stays, she said.
Jesslyn described the organization’s measurement challenges: “I have people ask me, well, how many people have graduated the program? How many successes do you have? And it's really hard to give numbers because every situation is so unique,” she said, adding that the program uses impact stories to illustrate outcomes.
Jesslyn and city staff answered council questions about how the program compares with other state pilots. City staff said eight projects received funding statewide; two of the pilots no longer operate while six continue. Umatilla’s model was one of three statewide that implemented a transitional-housing element rather than strictly night-shelter services, staff said. Jesslyn also said the governor’s office has shown interest in the programs after state-level briefings.
Partnerships and funding: The presenter and staff described a mix of local partners and intergovernmental agreements: Umatilla city, Umatilla County and Hermiston were identified as primary partners; ECHO and Stanfield are included in the IGA; Irrigon and Boardman were described as nonvoting members with facilities available for use. Staff said funding for the facility in the coming year has not been identified and that some state funding was proposed in the governor’s budget, but federal funding uncertainty could affect state pass-through dollars.
The presenter thanked local donors and volunteers and said outreach will continue to recruit partners, volunteers and financial support.
Ending: Council members thanked the presenter and staff, and staff said the city and partner jurisdictions will continue to pursue state funding and fundraising to support facility operations and improvements.