A safe place to land. A safe place to launch
​MMHA Emergency Housing Assistance Program provides intake and case management services for Next Step Up Guests. Medina County residents who are homeless or are aging out of foster care should call 330-725-7531 option 2 for help and to see if space is available at the Shelter. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Who is eligible for help?
If there is space at the Shelter, we will determine eligibility on your arrival. You will need one form of ID on intake: a state ID, driver’s license, social security card or birth certificate. A background check will be conducted to check for active warrants, arson offenses or inclusion on the sex offender registry. Any of these are an automatic denial of entry to Shelter.
How We Help
The Shelter is a temporary place for those experiencing homelessness. Our goal is to rapidly exit Guests out of shelter and into safe, alternative housing. Every individual builds an individualized case plan in our safe, trauma-informed environment. Guests are given access to hygiene supplies, laundry facilities, a kitchen and other resources throughout their stay.
Offer housing support
Every Guest works with a case manager to build an Individual Housing Plan (IHP) to help them transition out of Shelter. We also advocate for Guests with landlords and other entities to help find suitable housing.
Provide basic needs
All Guests receive essentials to help meet their immediate needs and help them regain stability. We provide a sense of community, a safe place to sleep, access to a kitchen, food and hygiene items, and shower and laundry facilities.
Coordinate resources
Our team helps Guests access resources with our Medina County partner agencies. Resources include: referrals to treatment and recovery, behavioral and mental health services, employment and job training programs and more.
Need shelter or know someone who does?
Next Step Up is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you or someone you know needs shelter, call us.
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330-725-7531 option 2
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If the Shelter is full, do you have a waitlist?
We do not hold a waitlist if the Shelter is full. All of our beds are available on a first come, first served basis.
What do I need to be accepted into the Shelter?
We determine everyone's eligibility upon arrival at the Shelter. You will need one form of ID (a state ID, driver’s license, social security card or birth certificate.) You will also undergo a background check for active warrants, arson offenses or inclusion on the sex offender registry. Any of these are an automatic denial of entry to Shelter.
Can I donate to the Shelter? What items do you accept?
We accept monetary donations, along with in-kind donations such as cleaning supplies, hygiene items and other wish list items specified on our Amazon WishList.
Do you need volunteers at the Shelter?
Due to confidentiality and privacy of our Guests, we have limited in-person volunteer activities. Those interested in volunteering can serve a meal, or host a donation drive or fundraiser to support our mission. You must contact us before you prepare a meal or schedule any fundraising activity. Learn more ways you can get involved by visiting the our Support Our Work page .