A Safe Place to Land.

A Safe Place to Launch.

What we do

Next Step Up provides safe shelter and a clear path forward for individuals experiencing homelessness in Medina County.

We offer more than a place to stay. Our team helps each Guest set goals, build stability and work toward long-term independence through supportive services and personalized plans.

We partner with community organizations, referral sources and compassionate donors to make this work possible.

Whether you need help, want to refer someone or are ready to give back, there is a place for you at Next Step Up.

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Support We Provide

Every aspect of Next Step Up is designed to help Guests take real, measurable steps forward. Every stay
is purposeful. Every journey is personal. And every step forward is supported.

Housing Navigation

Our case management team helps Guests identify and locate possible housing units. We assist them with online housing searches, provide them with lists of possible available units and walk alongside them during the process of applying for housing.

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Basic Needs

Guests receive essentials many take for granted: a safe place to sleep, access to a kitchen, food and hygiene items, and shower and laundry facilities. We provide a sense of community, meet immediate needs and help people regain stability.

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Case Management

We work with Guests to create Individualized Housing Plans (IHPs) and help them work on goals to help them out of homelessness. We also assist with resource navigation and offer referrals to other organizations.

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Links to Resources

We work with partner agencies throughout Medina County that assist with various needs including: referrals to treatment and recovery resources, behavioral and mental health services, employment and job training programs, and more.

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Advocacy

Our team works on behalf of Guests with landlords to overcome barriers to housing. We help them navigate complex systems to ensure they are getting proper care and the resources and benefits available to them.

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Stability

The Shelter and staff provide a secure, calm and dignified environment for those we serve. A stable environment is essential for Guests while they work through their IHP to take steps toward self-sufficiency and alleviate their housing crisis.

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Calvin's Story

Calvin had just graduated high school when everything changed. He faced homelessness for the first time. He was nervous. He had never experienced anything like it.

He entered Next Step Up unsure of what to expect. He settled in and began working with a case manager to build his Individualized Housing Plan. He set a goal: go to college. Then he got to work. He applied to the University of Akron. He completed financial aid paperwork. He stayed engaged in the process.

Then came the surprise. He was accepted.

Calvin found a job and started preparing for what came next. Supporters helped provide items for his dorm and daily life. Weeks later, he moved into his college dorm.

He arrived uncertain. He left with a plan, a purpose, and a future.

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