Industry experts in scalable housing solutions

We have developed a proven model of creating housing faster, cheaper, and more effectively through the conversion of blighted motels, under-utilized office buildings, or malls into permanent supportive housing. This unique model is comprised of private/public partnerships and results in projects being completed much faster and more cost-effectively while yielding more units. Step Up has gained extensive experience converting motels into PSH and has become a national advocate and industry expert in favor of the motel conversion model. Our extensive expertise has allowed us to develop and continually improve on this innovative, scalable housing solution.

Step Up and private co-developers have successfully completed nine motel conversions and five rehab/acquisition projects, and have many others that are slated to open soon. In addition, we have up several new motel projects in development and these total over 1,000 units of permanent supportive housing.  In these projects, Step Up serves as the:

• Co-developer – We work with our investment partners in acquiring and owning the project as well as conducting the rehab to convert the motel units into housing.
• Service provider – Step Up, our sister nonprofit, has earned a national reputation as an exemplary housing-first agency with a stellar record of working with individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. Step Up consistently accomplishes a 97% retention rate of all those we house.  In the motel conversion model, Step Up has one full time case manager for every 25 tenants.  The case managers for the project are located on site and are solely focused on providing comprehensive case management services on a day-to-day basis.
• Property management – Step Up also serves as the property manager, with our staff serving as the Resident Manager who lives on site. Property management is a specialized function in a supportive housing project, and Step Up has 25 years’ experience in property management in PSH serving individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness.