August 2025 – $XX Million in LIHTC Equity Awarded for New Housing
First Step House was awarded Low-Income Housing Tax Credits to build 60 new units of permanent supportive housing in partnership with The Road Home.
March 2026
First Step House welcomed leaders from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints Military Relations and Transitional Services departments for a comprehensive tour of Valor House and the First Step House Recovery Campus. The visit highlighted how permanent supportive housing, recovery services, and veteran‑focused programs work together to promote long‑term stability.
Media: Church leaders tour First Step House facilities
March 2026
First Step House joined Phil O’Bryan on K‑LOVE to discuss recovery, housing, and stability in the Salt Lake Valley. Development Director Mary‑T Calhoon shared how integrated housing, medical care, and mental health support help people rebuild their lives after incarceration, homelessness, and substance use disorder.
Audio: K-Love Radio Feature
Spring 2026
First Step House was featured by the Salt Lake Chamber Foundation’s Utah Community Builders initiative in its State of Good series, highlighting organizations strengthening Utah’s workforce and community well‑being through meaningful, long‑term impact.
Media: State of Good: How First Step House Changes Lives in Utah
February 2026
Salt Lake County Regional Development awarded $2.5 million to First Step House to support an acquisition project that will create 70 units of permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing or at risk of chronic homelessness. The development will pair deeply affordable housing with on‑site behavioral health care, case management, and wraparound services.
October 2025
First Step House was featured in FOX 13 Salt Lake City’s coverage of a statewide housing report released by the Governor’s Office. Executive Director Shawn McMillen highlighted how permanent supportive housing—paired with Medicaid‑funded services—helps break costly cycles of incarceration, hospitalization, and homelessness.
Media: What’s inside a new plan to help deal with Utah’s housing crisis? – FOX 13
August 2025
First Step House was recognized as a Salt Lake Tribune Top Workplace for the fourth consecutive year, reflecting a strong organizational culture, staff engagement, and commitment to mission.
Media: 2025 Top Workplaces
August 2025
First Step House was awarded Low‑Income Housing Tax Credits to support the development of 60 new units of permanent supportive housing, expanding access to safe, stable housing in partnership with The Road Home.
June 2025
Construction began on 44 North, a 67‑unit permanent supportive housing community developed in partnership with Housing Connect. The project will provide deeply affordable homes with 24/7 on‑site supportive services for people experiencing chronic homelessness and serious mental illness.
Media:
February–March 2025
First Step House opened Stratford Apartments, adding 46 units of permanent supportive housing in a renovated historic building at the corner of 200 South and 200 East. Designed for individuals with serious mental illness and co‑occurring substance use disorders, the building was fully leased within two months—reflecting the urgent need for supportive housing downtown.
Media:
December 2024
Renovations were completed at Trolley Lane, creating 18 new deeply affordable transitional housing beds for people leaving treatment and rebuilding their lives.
October 2024
First Step House secured $13 million in Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit equity to fund the construction of 67 new permanent supportive housing units in partnership with Housing Connect.
August 2024
First Step House was recognized as a Salt Lake Tribune Top Workplace for the fifth consecutive year, reflecting strong leadership, staff engagement, and organizational culture.
Media: Top Workplaces 2024