Springfield, MO

The deposit shouldn't be the thing that kills sobriety.

FirstStep Fund is a nonprofit that pays the entry fees and deposits standing between people in recovery and the sober living homes they need. We pool donations from churches, individuals, and agencies to cover the one cost nobody else will.

$500 Average entry barrier

35% Lower relapse with funded housing

0 Midwest orgs doing this

The Problem

Recovery shouldn't end at the front door.

Someone finishes treatment, ready to rebuild their life. They find a sober living home. Then they're told they need $300-$500 upfront for a deposit and first month. They don't have it. Insurance doesn't cover it. No government program specifically funds it. So they go back to the environment that made them sick.

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The Financial Wall

Entry deposits of $50-$500 are the single most common reason people can't access sober living after treatment.

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The Midwest Gap

Nearly every scholarship program for recovery housing is based in New England. Missouri has zero dedicated intermediary nonprofits.

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Scattered Goodwill

Churches, individuals, and agencies all want to help. But there's no central place to pool resources toward this specific barrier.

How It Works

Simple. Direct. No bureaucracy.

Applicants request help

Someone in recovery (or their counselor, case manager, or pastor) submits a request for entry fee assistance through our platform.

We verify and match

FirstStep Fund confirms the sober living facility, verifies the applicant's treatment status, and matches them with available funds.

Payment goes directly to the facility

Funds are paid straight to the sober living home. No cash to individuals. Full accountability for every dollar.

Donors see their impact

Churches, individuals, and agencies receive transparent reporting on how their contributions opened doors.

Why It Matters

The numbers behind the need.

Recovery housing works. The barrier isn't motivation or willpower. It's a deposit check.

14k+

Treatment facilities in the U.S.

Barrier to recovery housing: cost

35%

Lower relapse with funded sober living

Every recovery deserves a first step.

FirstStep Fund is building the bridge between willingness and housing. Starting in Springfield, Missouri, where the recovery community is strong and the need is real.