At Stepping Stone Emergency Housing, our Long Term Housing (LTH) Program is growing at an incredible pace, thanks in large part to the dedication and passion of our LTH Case Manager, Laura Knapp. With a background in Child Protective Services (CPS), Laura stepped into her role at Stepping Stone in 2022, bringing with her a deep commitment to serving those in need. Since then, she has been instrumental in expanding our LTH program, strengthening relationships with landlords, and ensuring that individuals experiencing homelessness have access to stable housing and supportive services.

A Growing Program, A Greater Impact

When Laura first started at Stepping Stone, the LTH program served just 15 clients across nine properties with six landlords. Today, thanks to her leadership and commitment, the program has the capacity to serve up to 55 clients, with 44 currently housed across 23 properties owned by 16 landlords. This remarkable growth—over 200% in just a few years—demonstrates the increasing need for stable housing and the effectiveness of Stepping Stone’s approach.

A key factor in this expansion has been the trust and strong relationships Laura has built with property owners. “One of our landlords recently referred two of his friends to our program, and we just welcomed a brand-new landlord who wants to expand with us,” Laura shares. “These relationships are built on trust. Landlords know we are here to support both them and our residents.”

Why Landlords Join the LTH Program

For property owners, partnering with Stepping Stone offers both a business opportunity and a chance to make a meaningful impact in the community. Here’s why landlords are choosing to work with us:

  • Guaranteed Rent Payments – Stepping Stone provides financial stability for landlords by covering rent payments directly, ensuring they receive reliable income each month.
  • Ongoing Support & Oversight – Our team, including Laura and our LTH Coordinator, Jaquan, conduct regular check-ins at each property, ensuring that residents are maintaining a stable living environment.
  • Helping Those in Need – Many landlords join the program because they want to be part of the solution to homelessness in our community.
  • Providing Second Chances – The program helps individuals who may have past evictions or poor credit histories access stable housing while working toward long-term independence.

Who Qualifies for LTH?

Stepping Stone’s LTH program serves individuals aged 18-65 who have experienced prolonged homelessness and who also have a diagnosed mental health or substance use disorder. Eligibility requirements include:

  • Meeting specific homelessness duration criteria
  • No violent or drug-related felonies
  • Earning under $1,220 per month
  • Contributing 30% of income toward rent (if applicable)

Laura emphasizes that while participants receive significant support, they are also held accountable. “We work closely with our residents to help them grow, build stability, and develop a rental history that will allow them to move into independent housing in the future.”

The Human Side of Housing

For Laura, this work is more than just a job—it’s a calling. “I find joy in helping people when they need it most,” she says. “The best part of my job is building relationships with our residents, earning their trust, and seeing them succeed. I love being in the community with them, supporting them every step of the way.”

As the program grows, Laura remains dedicated to keeping that human connection at the heart of her work. “I don’t want to be in an office all day—I want to be out there, working alongside our residents, making a real difference.”

How You Can Help

The Long Term Housing Program at Stepping Stone is changing lives, but we can’t do it alone. We need more property owners to join us in providing stable, affordable housing. If you own rental property and want to learn more about how you can partner with Stepping Stone, we’d love to hear from you.

We also rely on donor support to enhance our program and provide resources for our residents. Your contributions help us furnish homes, provide essential supplies, and offer case management services that empower individuals to thrive.

Join us in making a lasting impact in our community. To learn more about partnering as a landlord or making a donation, visit Stepping Stone’s website or contact us today.

Together, we can create more opportunities for stability, dignity, and hope.