Stepping Stones Program Application & Eligibility
Stepping Stones is a 30-day program offering temporary shelter and support for families with children experiencing homelessness in Gwinnett County. To participate, families must have at least one child aged 18 or under, with school-aged children enrolled in Gwinnett County Schools. The goal of Stepping Stones is to help families make money, save money, and find housing.
Services Provided
- Case Management: Focused on employment, budgeting, and parenting to achieve long-term housing and stability.
- Life Skills Program: Overnight accommodations available from 6pm to 7:30am on weekdays and 6pm to 8am on weekends. The communal living environment can host up to 3 families (maximum of 4 individuals per family) at a time.
- Day Center: Available during the day for job searches and working on program materials. Open on weekends for families needing a place to stay during the day.
Guidelines
Families must follow program rules and actively work towards the set goals. If additional assistance is needed, a 30-day extension may be evaluated.
Families must comply with established guidelines to remain in the program, including:
- Case Management: Focused on employment, budgeting, and parenting to achieve long-term housing and stability.
- Life Skills Program: Overnight accommodations available from 6pm to 7:30am on weekdays and 6pm to 8am on weekends. The communal living environment can host up to 3 families (maximum of 4 individuals per family) at a time.
- Day Center: Available during the day for job searches and working on program materials. Open on weekends for families needing a place to stay during the day.
If families actively work towards their goals and demonstrate the need for additional assistance, a 30-day extension will be evaluated.
APPLY FOR STEPPING STONES PROGRAM
How to Apply
- Fill Out Assessment Form: Complete our Assessment Form to check eligibility.
- Eligibility Check: If eligible, we will contact you via email and phone to schedule a phone interview.
Eligibility Requirements
- Family Definition: An adult with custody of at least one child under 18.
- School Enrollment: School-aged children must be enrolled in Gwinnett County Schools.
- Residency: Must be living in Gwinnett County.
- Transportation: Must own a reliable vehicle.
- Work and Safety: Must not be fleeing domestic violence and must be able and willing to work. (For domestic violence assistance, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233)
Program Conditions
- Background Check: Applicants will undergo a background check and drug test.
- Safety: Any conviction posing a danger to others will disqualify the family.
- Compliance: Families must comply with our Guest Contract and Guidelines, which include a basic code of conduct and specific expectations.
Note: No walk-in or phone screenings are available. Please ensure all requirements are met before applying.
