Jessalyn Cole, executive director of Stepping Stones Alliance, told the Hermiston City Council on Aug. 11 that the nonprofit’s PATH program is maintaining steady staffing and shelter occupancy, continuing outreach and preparing community engagement events.

Cole said the organization contracts with Phoenix for overnight security and has added recreational and educational classes for members. She reported that upgrades funded by grants include raised beds for a garden, installation of an awning over the sleep center entrance and three reserved parking signs to keep spaces available for visitors. Cole said the organization received washers and dryers funded by Schnitzer CARE funds.

Cole reported that the sleep center is seeing roughly 4 to 15 guests per night and that the program continues to accept new guests who are largely local or have family ties in the area. She said several clients are in transition to individual shelter units and that if they meet program requirements, the units could be full again within days.

Cole invited the community to a free screening of the film “No Address” at a local theater on Wednesday, Aug. 20; the event is free but requires advance registration, and staff said they were working to secure additional seating.

Councilors and residents asked about outreach to people living outdoors and how the organization connects with law enforcement and other providers. Cole said Stepping Stones does monthly outreach to known encampments, coordinates with both Hermiston and Umatilla police departments, and accepts referrals from hospitals, EMTs and law enforcement. She emphasized the limits of voluntary programs: "We can't force our services upon those who don't want to utilize our services," Cole said.

Council members thanked Cole and the organization for their work and expressed appreciation for the outreach and services described; no formal council action was taken.