“In the midst of famine, there’s feast.”
At Stepping Stone Emergency Housing, every team member brings a unique passion to the table—and for our new Volunteer Coordinator, Shvonne Johnson, that passion is service.
With 17 years of experience in education at both the university and K–12 levels, Shvonne felt called to pivot her career toward something deeply meaningful. “I wanted to give back, and I wanted to be of service,” she shared. “When I learned about the position at Stepping Stone, it just fit—both with where I was in my life and what I wanted to give.”
Though new to the organization, the mission felt familiar to Shvonne. In her previous role as a university dean overseeing residence life, she often encountered students facing housing insecurity. “People don’t always realize that someone can be in school and still be living out of their car,” she said. That experience—and her own past encounter with housing instability—gave her a deep empathy for those experiencing homelessness.
“Being here has affirmed something I already knew: that homelessness has many faces and many causes,” she explained. “And the care I see at Stepping Stone is unlike anything I’ve seen before. This place truly sees people, and treats them with dignity and authenticity.”
In her role as Volunteer Coordinator, Shvonne is already witnessing the power of community firsthand. “We have an amazing group of existing volunteers—people who serve meals, write thank you cards, help organize or clean, even cut hair. We recently had a couple with a restaurant commit to bringing and serving lunch from their business. The creativity and generosity people bring is incredible.”
Whether it’s helping at the front desk, transporting donated furniture, assisting with resident move-ins, or supporting day-to-day shelter operations, Shvonne emphasizes that there’s a place for everyone to get involved. “If you have a heart to serve, we will find a place for you.”
She adds, “Volunteering is an opportunity to give back and to connect. If you feel that call, please come to Stepping Stone. We’re here to serve—and we’d love for you to serve with us.”
Welcome to the team, Shvonne—we’re so grateful you’re here.