“Rachel” is a pseudonym used to protect this resident’s privacy.
When Rachel came to Stepping Stone Emergency Housing on November 18, 2025, she was facing a future she had not expected.
After nearly 28½ years in the same home, she was suddenly forced to leave and spent almost three weeks in an extended-stay hotel before arriving at Stepping Stone. She described herself as emotionally shaken and very fearful about what would come next.
What she found at Stepping Stone was compassion, kindness, and genuine concern from both staff and other residents. Along with practical support from the shelter, Rachel also received emotional support and help from a therapist as she began navigating a difficult transition.
Her experience has also given her a clear perspective on what it takes to live well in a communal setting. Rachel believes the small things matter: treating others with respect, using simple courtesies, completing responsibilities on time, caring for shared spaces, and being mindful of the resources available to everyone.
She also has particular appreciation for the staff. In her words, they are doing work that can be very difficult, and a little kindness can make that work easier.
Living in emergency housing has not always been easy, but Rachel remains grateful that Stepping Stone was here when she needed it.
Her story is a reminder that stability often begins with something simple: a safe place to land, people who care, and the chance to begin figuring out what comes next.
