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Next Step Up shelter reports 141 guests since opening; officials warn of 2026 funding gap
Summary
Metro Housing presented operational and financial numbers for Next Step Up, the county emergency shelter. Shelter officials reported 141 guests since Feb. 28, 27 beds and 2 cribs, 19 households who executed leases, and an uncertain funding outlook after the state said it will not fund new shelters in calendar year 2026.
Skip Sypos of Metro Housing and program staff updated Medina County commissioners on operations at Next Step Up, the county emergency housing shelter, reporting client counts, exits to permanent housing and a funding shortfall risk for 2026.
The presentation said 141 guests entered shelter since Feb. 28; among them were 15 children, seven veterans and several households with companion animals. Metro Housing reported 19 households executed lease agreements and 35 households self-resolved (for example, by moving in with family). Shelter capacity was described as 27 beds and two cribs.
Skip Sypos said the shelter provides intensive intake and case management and partners with local service providers including Job and Family Services, Hope Recovery, the Free Clinic of Medina County and the county health department. He said volunteers and local philanthropic fundraising are part of the plan to sustain operations.
Funding outlook: Metro Housing told the board the Ohio Department of Development will not fund “new” shelters for calendar year 2026 and, because Next Step Up is not eligible for that renewal rotation this round, the shelter must rely on carryover funds, an existing agreement with Job and Family Services to bill for TANF-eligible households, local city allocations (the city of Medina has authorized $50,000 contingent on other cities and the county participating) and private fundraising. The presentation said this year’s operating budget is about $600,000 and commissioners were told next year’s budget should be similar.
Program staff said they will expand volunteer training (a volunteer academy is planned) and pursue philanthropic support and fundraisers; Metro Housing noted a bingo fundraiser planned for Feb. 28 next year.
No formal action was taken. Commissioners thanked Metro Housing for the report and invited continued updates as funding plans develop.
What officials said: - Skip Sypos, Metro Housing: presented case and outcome totals and said state funding rules mean Next Step Up is not eligible for new-shelter funding in 2026. - Jesse Kane, program director for emergency housing programs (Metro Housing): will lead future presentations on program operations and case management outcomes.
Background: Next Step Up opened earlier in the year as the county emergency shelter; staff described intake, diversion work and case management as core services intended to help guests transition to stable housing.
