Nonprofit · EIN 35-2537631
FIRST STEP HOUSING
Also known as FIRST STEP COMMUNITIES
Tax-exempt · SACRAMENTO, CA 95818
Financials
| Year ended | Form | Revenue | Expenses | Net income | Total assets | Liabilities | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2024 | 990 | $7,968,910 | $8,024,463 | -$55,553 | $2,879,442 | $1,585,853 | $1,293,589 |
| December 31, 2023 | 990 | $7,102,829 | $6,577,678 | $525,151 | $2,059,864 | $710,721 | $1,349,143 |
Financial details: 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024
Revenue
- Contributions, gifts and grants
- $7,943,581
- of which government grants
- $7,831,818
- Program service revenue
- $25,320
- Investment income
- $9
- Other revenue
- $0
Expenses
- Grants and similar amounts paid
- $891,692
- Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
- $234,533
- Other salaries and wages
- $4,900,050
- Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
- $5,787,288
- Professional fundraising fees
- $0
- Legal fees
- $6,950
- Accounting fees
- $175,902
- Occupancy
- $10,000
- Travel
- $37,216
- Depreciation
- $8,324
- Program services (functional)
- $7,207,964
- Management and general (functional)
- $816,499
Balance sheet and other
- Total assets, start of year
- $2,059,864
- Total assets, end of year
- $2,879,442
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $1,585,853
- Net assets, end of year
- $1,293,589
- Land, buildings and equipment
- $34,774
- Net assets without donor restrictions
- $1,171,667
- Net assets with donor restrictions
- $121,922
- Gross receipts
- $7,968,910
- Employees
- 208
- Volunteers
- 20
- Year formed
- 2015
- State of legal domicile
- CA
From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.
Officers, directors and key employees
As listed on the 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024, highest compensation first.
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEPHEN WATTERS | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Officer | 40 | $134,167 | $536 |
| JOSEPH PACHECO | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Officer | 40 | $99,229 | $601 |
| BILL KNOWLTON | PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 6 | $0 | $0 |
| BRIAN RIDGWAY | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| KERRIN WEST | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 4 | $0 | $0 |
| ADAM BERMAN | VICE PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| DIANE WOLFE | DIRECTOR (TIL NOV '24) Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
990 for the year ended December 31, 2023: 7 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEPHEN WATTERS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Officer | 40 | $122,500 | $2,467 |
| JOSEPH PACHECO | CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Officer | 40 | $91,340 | $467 |
| BILL KNOWLTON | PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 6 | $0 | $0 |
| BOB ERLENBUSCH | VICE PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| BRIAN RIDGWAY | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| KERRIN WEST | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 4 | $0 | $0 |
| DIANE WOLFE | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
Address and contacts
- Address (IRS master file)
- PO BOX 188228, SACRAMENTO, CA 95818-8228
- In care of
- % STEPHEN WATTERS
- Mailing address (990-N for 2015)
- PO Box 188228, Sacramento CA 95818
- Principal officer (990 for 2024)
- STEPHEN WATTERS, 1455 RESPONSE ROAD 190, SACRAMENTO, CA 95815
- Principal officer (990-N for 2015)
- Stephen Watters, 350 Crestridge Lane, Folsom CA 95630
- Signed the 990
- STEPHEN WATTERS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
- Phone
- (916) 769-8877
- Website
- www.firststepcommunities.org
- Return prepared by
- RICHARDSON & COMPANY LLP
California records
California keeps its own records of charities and corporations. Search them by EIN 35-2537631 or by the name FIRST STEP HOUSING.
- Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers
- Registration status and filed reports (CT-TR-1, RRF-1)
- Secretary of State, bizfile Online
- Corporation status, entity number, agent for service
- Franchise Tax Board
- Entity status letter (state tax exemption, good standing)
Mission
FIRST STEP COMMUNITIES WILL CREATE INTERIM HOUSING AND EMERGENCY SHELTER FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS. HERE THEY WILL LIVE IN SAFETY AND DIGNITY, RECEIVE THE SERVICES THEY REQUIRE, AND TAKE A FIRST-STEP AWAY FROM HOMELESSNESS TOWARD SELF-SUFFICIENCY AND PERMANENT HOUSING.
Program accomplishments
- THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT HAS ESTABLISHED THE HOUSING FIRST MODEL CALLING FOR HOUSING CLIENTS FIRST AND PROVIDING WRAP AROUND SERVICES. THE HUD RECOMMENDED EMPHASIS REMAINS PLACING HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN PERMANENT HOUSING AND COORDINATING ACCESS TO REQUIRED SERVICES. FIRST STEP COMMUNITIES (FSC) CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE HUD MODEL AND ENDEAVORS TO DEVELOP SOLUTIONS THAT HAVE PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS. UNFORTUNATELY, THE GAP BETWEEN SECURED FUNDING FOR MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND THE DEMAND PERSISTED AGAIN THROUGH 2024. THE OVERALL MISSION OF FIRST STEP COMMUNITIES CONTINUES TO BE TO PROVIDE LOW BARRIER SHELTER AND SERVICES TO THIS VULNERABLE HOMELESS POPULATION. IN DOING THIS, FSC AND NUMEROUS COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS WILL HELP THE TARGET GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS AS THEY MOVE THROUGH THE INTERIM SERVICES PROVIDED. OUR DESIRED OUTCOME REMAINS TO PREPARE THIS POPULATION FOR REHOUSING PROGRAMS THAT ALIGN WITH THE HOUSING FIRST MODEL AND PRIORITIZE A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION TO PERMANENT HOUSING. ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2024 INCLUDE:FSC EMPHASIS AND GROWTH DURING 2024 FOCUSED ON EXPANDING COLLABORATIVE SERVICES AND PURSUING ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR INCREASED SHELTERING PROGRAMS. HOWEVER, AN ONGOING EFFORT REMAINED TO PROVIDE ALL CLIENTS WITH INCREASED ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE SERVICES, A MAJORITY MEDICALLY VULNERABLE. FSC HAS INCREASED ITS EMPHASIS ON BRINGING SHELTER AND HEALTHCARE SERVICES MODELS TOGETHER TO ADDRESS THE GROWING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER CRISIS. AT NORTH A STREET CAMPUS, BRINGING IN ADDITIONAL COLLABORATIVE SERVICE PROVIDERS AND DEVELOPING IN-HOUSE TRAINING WORKSHOPS CONTINUED TO BE A PRIORITY. FSC CONDUCTED OUR ANNUAL FSC HEALTH FAIR DURING 2024 AND INCLUDED FOUR DOZEN COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS INCLUDING NONPROFITS, COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. FSC ADMINISTERED THE HEALTH FAIR OUR NORTH A STREET CAMPUS IN THE RIVER DISTRICT, TARGETING CHRONICALLY HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN OUR SHELTER AND LIVING ON THE STREETS OF THE RIVER DISTRICT. FSC ALSO CONTINUED A PARTNERSHIP WITH UC DAVIS, BRINGING THE WILLOW CLINIC TO THE NORTH A STREET CAMPUS, WHO ADMINISTER A WEEKLY FREE CLINIC ON SITE PROVIDING PRIMARY HEALTHCARE, OBGYN, AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SUPPORT. THE WILLOW CLINIC NOW PARTNERS IN THE ANNUAL HEALTH FAIR AT NORTH A STREET CAMPUS.AT THE GROVE - EMERGENCY BRIDGE HOUSING FOR TRANSITION AGE YOUTH, COMPLETED AN EXPANSION OF THE SITE FROM 24 CABINS TO 50. AN ADOPT-A-CABIN PROGRAM DESIGNED TO RAISE FUNDING FOR ONGOING CABIN MAINTENANCE AND SITE BEAUTIFICATION SUCCESSFULLY RAISED OVER $50,000. AN ONGOING PARTNERSHIP WITH LIFE PRACTICES BROUGHT INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP THERAPY TO THE GROVE CLIENTS AND DATA GATHERED QUICKLY DEMONSTRATED A DOUBLING OF THE PERCENTAGE OF CLIENTS ACHIEVING PERMANENT HOUSING OUTCOMES AFTER PARTICIPATING IN THERAPY SESSIONS. IN 2024 A TOTAL OF 108 CLIENTS ACHIEVED PERMANENT HOUSING IN THE 50-CABIN GROVE PROGRAM.AT THE ROSEVILLE ROAD CAMPUS FACILITY WAS DEVELOPED AS A REPLACEMENT FOR THE MILLER PARK FACILITY, CHANGING THE MODE OF SHELTER FROM TENTS TO CABINS FOR OVER 125 INDIVIDUALS. DURING 2024, FSC EFFORTS TO HELP THE COUNTY OF SACRAMENTO ESTABLISH AN ONGOING WEATHER DRIVEN SOLUTION CONTINUED WITH THE OPERATION OF THE WEATHER RESPITE PROGRAM AT BOTH A BRANCH CENTER ROAD SITE AND AT THE NORTH A STREET CAMPUS AND OPERATING 24 HOURS PER DAY DURING WEATHER EXTREMES. AT ALL FSC FACILITIES EXCEPT THE WEATHER RESPITE PROGRAM, WE CONTINUED TO PROVIDE A 24-HOUR X 365 PROGRAM WITH SHELTER, CASE MANAGEMENT AND EXTENSIVE COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS SUPPLEMENTING FSC SERVICES. ALL SITES PROVIDE MEALS, SHOWERS, AND SANITATION.Expenses $7,207,964 · grants $891,692 · revenue $7,968,910
What it must file and when
IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in December, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.
| Tax year | Year ended | Due | IRS public records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 31, 2025 | May 15, 2026 | Not on file |
| 2024 | December 31, 2024 | May 15, 2025 | 990 on file |
| 2023 | December 31, 2023 | May 15, 2024 | 990 on file |
IRS record
- EIN
- 35-2537631
- Tax-exempt status
- 501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
- Foundation status
- Publicly supported organization (170(b)(1)(A)(vi))
- Donations deductible (Pub 78)
- Public charity, 50% deduction limit
- Exempt since
- 2015
- Accounting year ends
- December
- Files
- Form 990 or 990-EZ
- Category (NTEE)
- Arts, culture and humanities (A20)
- Assets (IRS master file)
- $2,879,442
- Income (IRS master file)
- $7,968,910
Filing history
| Form | Year ended | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 | December 2024 | $7,968,910 | $8,024,463 | $2,879,442 | XML |
| 990 | December 2023 | $7,102,829 | $6,577,678 | $2,059,864 | XML |
| 990 | December 2022 | $5,567,940 | $5,255,587 | $1,365,891 | IRS |
| 990 | December 2021 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | December 2020 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | December 2018 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | December 2017 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990-N for 2015 Officer: Stephen Watters | December 31, 2015 | ≤ $50,000 receipts | – | – | e-Postcard |
990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 35-2537631).
Questions about FIRST STEP HOUSING
- What is the EIN of FIRST STEP HOUSING?
- The employer identification number (EIN) of FIRST STEP HOUSING is 35-2537631.
- Is FIRST STEP HOUSING tax-exempt?
- Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 2015.
- Are donations to FIRST STEP HOUSING tax-deductible?
- Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
- Which annual return does FIRST STEP HOUSING file?
- Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
- When is the next return of FIRST STEP HOUSING due?
- The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending December 31, 2025) is due May 15, 2026. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
- When did FIRST STEP HOUSING last file with the IRS?
- The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended December 2024.
- Who is the principal officer of FIRST STEP HOUSING?
- The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024 names STEPHEN WATTERS.
- Who are the officers and directors of FIRST STEP HOUSING?
- The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024 lists 7 people; 2 received compensation from the organization, the highest $134,167 (STEPHEN WATTERS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER).
- How much revenue does FIRST STEP HOUSING have?
- On its 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024 it reported revenue of $7,968,910, expenses of $8,024,463 and total assets of $2,879,442 at year end.
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All nonprofits in SACRAMENTO · California · Arts, culture and humanities