At Stepping Stone Emergency Housing, leadership is more than just governance—it’s a commitment to compassion, action, and solutions for those experiencing homelessness. Ray Danzl, our Vice Chair, exemplifies that commitment, bringing years of community service, leadership, and a passion for helping others to his role on the board.

A Calling to Serve

Ray’s journey to Stepping Stone was shaped by a lifelong belief in service and second chances. A longtime resident of the North Metro, Ray has been deeply involved in community service and outreach efforts through the Knights of Columbus in Anoka.

“I was aware of Stepping Stone through fundraisers with the Knights of Columbus,” Ray shared. “Then a former board member asked if I’d be interested in joining, and I said absolutely.”

For Ray, helping others is personal. His family fostered newborns, instilling in him the belief that everyone deserves a stable foundation. He was also profoundly impacted by a close friend in Denver who created a unique, hands-on approach to helping people transition out of homelessness.

Inspired by a Friend’s Mission

Ray’s friend in Denver ran a garage door service and regularly hired individuals experiencing homelessness. But it wasn’t just about a day’s wages—he provided food, clean clothes, a shower, and even a place to stay in an RV for those who committed to returning for work the next day.

“He had about a 50% success rate of helping people get off the streets,” Ray recalled. “One man reconnected with his family in Ohio, rebuilt his life, and sent my friend a Christmas card every year. That always stuck with me.”

Unfortunately, his friend’s dream of building a self-sustaining homeless shelter was cut short when he passed away from cancer. But his mission lives on through Ray, who continues that spirit of service through his work at Stepping Stone.

Why Stepping Stone?

Ray was drawn to Stepping Stone because of its comprehensive approach.

“Many shelters focus on specific groups—veterans, youth, or families,” he explained. “Stepping Stone helps anyone experiencing homelessness. If you’re struggling and need a place to rebuild, we don’t turn you away. That’s powerful.”

Ray believes in Stepping Stone’s ability to provide more than just shelter—it offers mentorship, job support, and a path to self-sufficiency.

Challenges and Growth

Since joining the board, Ray has seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities in supporting those experiencing homelessness.

  • Navigating Post-Pandemic Changes – “Transitioning back from hotel shelters to our main facility was a major shift.”
  • Expanding and Maintaining Services – “We’ve worked hard to expand capacity while keeping our shelter welcoming and dignified.”
  • Unexpected Impact – “I was surprised to learn that people from outside Minnesota seek out Stepping Stone because of its reputation. That speaks volumes.”

Why Join the Board?

Now serving as Vice Chair, Ray encourages others to consider joining Stepping Stone’s mission-driven leadership team.

“If you want to make a real impact in the community, Stepping Stone is the place,” he said. “We help people without barriers—anyone who needs a hand up. If that resonates with you, we’d love to have you involved.”

Beyond the Boardroom

When he’s not serving on the board, Ray runs Valiant Enterprises, an IT consulting firm. He’s also dedicated to his family and local community, ensuring that the North Metro remains a welcoming place for everyone.