Celebrating 30 Years of Service & Impact

Honoring our past. Empowering our future.

Celebrating 30 Years of Service and Impact ( 1996- 2026)

For three decades, LifeSTEPS has empowered residents in affordable housing communities across California with the tools, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. Since our founding in 1996, LifeSTEPS has grown from a small nonprofit to a statewide leader in resident services, helping families stay housed, children succeed, seniors age with dignity, and communities build resilience.

Our Journey

1996
Founded with Purpose
Life Skills Training and Educational Programs, Inc. (LifeSTEPS) was established with a bold vision: that affordable housing must be paired with on-site supportive services so residents can move toward stability and self-sufficiency.
Expanding Resident Services
We broaden our footprint across California, partnering with housing developers and community organizations to deliver life skills training, educational programs, case management, and community engagement directly where residents live.

2000’s
2012
California Housing Hall of Fame
LifeSTEPS is inducted into the California Housing Hall of Fame by the California Housing Consortium, recognizing our sustained impact in advancing affordable housing solutions statewide.
Leading with Innovation
Formerly know as the RN Program, the LifeSTEPS Community Health Program started as a Pilot program in partnership with USA Properties at two senior housing facilities in Sacramento.

2016
2020
National Recognition for Healthy Homes
LifeSTEPS’ Housing Plus Services: RN Coaching program is honored with the HUD Secretary’s Award for Healthy Homes, a national award recognizing innovative and high-impact approaches to resident health and housing quality.
Sacramento was named an All-America City Award winner
Sacramento was named an All-America City Award winner for the Promise Zone Literacy Initiative, a nationally recognized effort to improve grade-level reading through public-private collaboration. Lead by the Sacramento Literacy Foundation, LifeSTEPS proudly partnered in this work, helping bring tutoring, writing, and summer reading programs directly to children and families living in affordable housing communities.

2022
2026
Scaling Impact Across the State
Under the leadership of CEO Beth Southorn, LifeSTEPS expands services to more than 450 communities. 45,300 homes and 118,500 residents statewide, partnering with policymakers, developers, and community leaders to shape supportive housing practice, influence policy conversations, and meet emerging needs across California.

Voices of Impact

“LifeSTEPS was a blessing during the hardest time of my life. They gave me hope when I felt lost.”

Elinora- Resident

“Magnus is not only reading better, but he’s happier, more confident, and excited to learn. That’s the true power of the LifeSTEPS Big Fun in the Sun Program.”

Josie- LifeSTEPS Program Coordinator

“I always wanted to be a homeowner, but I could not afford to save any money toward buying a home before being part of the LifeSTEPS Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program. That’s why I took advantage of this opportunity where I could save money, get my credit in order and become a homeowner. For me, it made financial sense. My advice to others who have a housing voucher is to seek out becoming a homeowner – it’s worth having something of your own.”

Liz- Resident

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Celebrating 30 Years of Service & Impact

Celebrating 30 Years of Service and Impact ( 1996- 2026)

Our Journey

1996

Founded with Purpose

Expanding Resident Services

2000’s

2012

California Housing Hall of Fame

Leading with Innovation

2016

2020

National Recognition for Healthy Homes

Sacramento was named an All-America City Award winner

2022

2026

Scaling Impact Across the State

Voices of Impact

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