Speaking on Business: First Step House

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. First Step House has been helping people rebuild their lives since 1958. Through treatment, housing, and wraparound support, they serve those facing behavioral health conditions like substance use disorder and mental illness. Development Director, Mary-T Calhoon, joins us with more. Mary Calhoon: First Step House helps people facing some of the toughest challenges – chronic addiction, mental illness, incarceration, and homelessness. We provide two main pathways for moving forward. The first is treatment and recovery housing, where clients progress step by step — from residential care, to sober housing, and eventually into independent housing. We also have a dedicated program for veterans. The second pathway is permanent supportive housing for people whose mental or behavioral health conditions require long-term support. Right now, we operate 285 housing units for people at risk of homelessness, with three more apartment buildings opening by 2028. We serve 1,700 people a year. What does that mean for our community? Safer streets, fewer jail stays and ER visits, and fewer people becoming homeless. And for our clients, it means the chance to reconnect with family, to find work, and build a life of purpose in recovery. You can learn more at first step house dot org. Derek Miller: First Step House shows how local organizations strengthen Utah. By supporting recovery, stability, and opportunity, they help create safer neighborhoods, stronger families, and a healthier economy — showing how businesses like theirs build a thriving community for all. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 10/1/25