Changing Lives One Step at a Time
From a single day room to a resource center to transitional supportive housing for veterans, families and individuals, The Next Step has continually responded to the ever-changing homeless population in our community.
Our Work
For more than 20 years, Next Step has been a leader in homeless services in the Fort Smith community.
We understand there are many reasons people become homeless, from health and social issues to lack of affordable housing across an entire community or region. We believe that by providing each client the unique support they need to develop skills and achieve stability, we will help them in their journey out of homelessness.
The Impact We Made in 2025
We had 155 housing clients during the year, including 50 veterans, and we provided housing for 18 different families through our six single family homes. Throughout the year, 48 individuals successfully exited our transitional housing program and moved on to permanent housing.
83%
Moved on to Permanent Housing
155
Housing Clients
50
Veterans
18
Families
48
Completed Program
We served 1,436 individuals in our day room, and we provided them with nearly 202,000 services including 57,000 meals, 25,000 hygiene products, 17,000 mail pickups, and 16,500 clothing items.
News & Updates
Next Step Homeless Services Breaks Ground on “Next Step Neighborhood”, a Bridge Housing Program for the Area’s Unhoused
Next Step Homeless Services is proud to announce the creation of the Next Step Neighborhood, a bridge housing neighborhood located at the intersection of I and South 6th Streets in Fort Smith. Designed to provide transitional housing and support for individuals experiencing homelessness, the project marks the first step toward restoring dignity, stability, and opportunity.…
5News Story
We were featured in a 5 News story by Daren Bobb – please see here
The Next Step Featured at TalkBusiness.net
Tina Dale wrote a piece about the coming ground breaking on the new neighborhood!
HOW TO SUPPORT
