Ten years ago, I founded Next Step, and we have come so far in a short span of time. From humble beginnings in the foothills of Appalachia, weve helped thousands of families in communities across the country by creating a path to sustainable, affordable homeownership.

Were in a time of challenge in American and all across the globe. The past two years have tested us; forcing us to confront the roots of what ails our communities and to better prepare to face an uncertain future. However, I truly believe that we are witness to the start of a new era in America. One where we collectively will address our most pressing problems, including housing.

Investment in housing is part of the holistic solution to meeting these challenges. As Next Step looks to the future, were seeking to not just be reactionary. Rather, we are investing deeply in finding solutions to the root causes that have led us to where we are today, examining our work through a Systems Change lens addressing the entrenched problems of housing unaffordability and inequity.

Lets come together now and build the foundations for the future of better housing and make housing work for everyone.

Sincerely,

Stacey Epperson,

President & Founder