Program areas at Stephen Center
Pettigrew Emergency Shelter: Stephen Center's CARF accredited emergency shelter facility advances the shelter's distinct reputation for treating every individual with dignity and respect while maintaining a sober and drug-free environment, and is the only CARF accredited emergency shelter in Nebraska. Within 72 hours of arrival, every shelter client meets with a Stephen Center case manager to develop and implement a plan for success to emerge from homelessness and regain independence and stability. The case managers assess needs and address barriers including financial problems, family issues, employment, mental health, addiction, medical and legal issues. While unique for every person, case managers address potential needs via goal setting, referral and collaboration with community providers. The shelter houses 32 men, 32 women and has four family units along with one overflow room. In 2022, the average length of stay in the shelter was 33 days with 88% exiting to permanent/positive housing destinations.
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Apartments: PSH's CARF accredited apartments comply with HUD Housing Quality Standards and are designed to develop and provide housing and voluntary access to supportive services for people moving from homelessness to independent, supportive living. The opportunity exists to live in a stable environment, increase life skills and income, and gain control over decisions that impact personal and familial needs. There are 61 PSH units for rent to those who meet income and disability qualifications. In 2022, the average length of stay was 1.6 years with 94% exiting to permanent/positive housing destinations. It is worth noting that 100% of our families and veterans exited to permanent housing.
HERO Program: The HERO Program (Health, Empowerment, Recovery, and Opportunity) is a CARF accredited, 64-bed state licensed substance abuse treatment program assisting those who have made a commitment to overcome the life-destroying effects of drugs, alcohol and co-occurring mental illness. The facility was purposefully designed as a combination low-income housing and mental health and substance abuse treatment center focusing on homeless and low-income individuals. In addition to inpatient services, HERO provides mental health and substance abuse evaluations and intensive outpatient treatment services. In 2022, the program graduated 59% of individuals receiving treatment.