Through our first-of-its-kind programs and services, we work one-on-one with each resident, getting at the root cause of their homelessness (lack of education, need for employment, finding affordable housing, and making positive personal decisions).

All residents, regardless of their time spent at Stepping Stone, have their basic needs met. We provide a bed to sleep, linens, three meals a day, shower, laundry facilities, and clothes and toiletries, when needed.

On average, residents live at Stepping Stone for 90 days. However, some stay less time and some stay more, depending on their need. During their time here, our Shelter Advocates make sure that their day-to-day, shelter needs are met. On the other hand, our Case Manager meets with each resident one-on-one to develop a comprehensive Individual Goal Plan (IGP), ensuring that the residents’ needs for leaving Stepping Stone are also met. The IGP determines the ultimate goal of each resident and defines the attainable goals in which to achieve their goal.

Basic Needs

Regardless of the program or length of stay, all residents of Stepping Stone are supplied their basic needs, at all times.  These include:

  • Access to the facility 24/7, while an approved resident
  • Assigned a room with a bed, linens, pillow, storage locker and closet
  • Three meals per day, plus a snack in the evening
  • Showers, including towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Laundry facility, including laundry detergent
  • Clothing provided thanks to community donations
Emergency Shelter 
  • For individuals who are seeking temporary shelter ONLY
  • All basic needs provided for regardless of their length of stay
  • Initial stay is 7 days or less with a maximum stay of 28 days within a 365 day period, which begins the first day the individual enters Emergency Shelter
  • Maximum capacity of 6 men and 4 women on any given day
  • Resident must meet with Case Manager, comply with all Rules & Regulations, and complete all assigned chores
Emergency Housing
  • For individuals who desire and are willing to work on the issues that contributed to their homelessness
  • Directly come from Emergency Shelter program
  • All basic needs provided for regardless of their length of stay
  • Maximum planned stay is 90 days, an extension in 30-day increments is allowed
  • Required development of Individual Goal Plan (IGP) with Case Manager
  • Resident must meet with Case Manager, comply with all Rules & Regulations, and complete all assigned chores
  • Engage in making progress on IGP
  • Meet with Anoka County Financial Assistance Worker
  • Funding Structure: MN state funded Group Residential Housing, personal contribution, or combination of both

Our Mission

Support individuals 18 and over who are experiencing homelessness by accelerating the growth of available shelter that brings education and solutions to our homeless response.

Our Vision

Provide a safe and inclusive community response to ending homelessness for all.

Our Guiding Principles & Values

Empower individuals to change their lives

-Treat all with dignity and respect

Collaborate with partners in providing services

-Ensure strong stewardship in managing resources