First Step House

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First Step House
A SLC-based behavioral health treatment and housing provider

The mission of First Step House is to help people build lives of meaning, purpose, and recovery. Founded in 1958, First Step House has evolved into a co-occurring capable, behavioral health treatment and housing provider. First Step House is accredited by the Joint Commission, the leading healthcare accreditation entity in the U.S., for our continuous compliance with performance standards and commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. We have been a consistent leader in the Salt Lake metro area delivering evidence-based interventions and achieving positive outcomes for individuals, Veterans, and families who struggle with high severity substance use disorders, histories of homelessness, mental health conditions, justice system involvement, and primary health concerns. We operate two residential treatment facilities, two outpatient treatment centers, and six transitional housing facilities in Salt Lake County, Utah. We are currently in the process of building two permanent supportive housing facilities for individuals with histories of homelessness, serious mental illness, and substance use disorders. The scope of services we offer include substance use disorder and mental health assessment, residential and outpatient treatment, recovery residence services, housing, case management, employment support, primary health care, peer support services, and long-term recovery management. Through our programs, we serve over 1,000 individuals per year- many of who arrive at our doorstep with very little resources, lack of family support, and numerous barriers to overcome.

Last week’s rain didn’t stop our neighbors from celebrating the beauty of the new North Temple murals.On Thursday, membe...
10/28/2026

Last week’s rain didn’t stop our neighbors from celebrating the beauty of the new North Temple murals.

On Thursday, members of our team joined the art walk celebrating the North Temple Mural Project, including “The Dream Quilt” by artist Brooklyn Ottens on the south wall of KWB Apartments, facing Madsen Park.

Clients in our Fairpark Residential Treatment program helped paint the first layers, and the mural now brightens a new home for KWB residents.

Thank you, Brooklyn, for the beauty and warmth you’ve brought to KWB Apartments.

We’re also grateful to the Salt Lake City Community Reinvestment Agency and the Salt Lake City Arts Council Public Art Program for making this mural possible.

Home is more than an address. It’s the decorations on a front door and the shared moments with neighbors.Yesterday, Snap...
10/27/2026

Home is more than an address. It’s the decorations on a front door and the shared moments with neighbors.

Yesterday, Snap Finance delivered pumpkins to Medina Place, one of our permanent supportive housing communities. Residents are decorating them today, bringing a little fall color to the building.

This is the second year Snap Finance has donated pumpkins for our residents, and we’re grateful for their continued support.

Thank you, Snap Finance!

A workplace award is really a story about people. First Step House was named a 2026 Utah Top Workplace, our sixth year i...
10/26/2026

A workplace award is really a story about people.

First Step House was named a 2026 Utah Top Workplace, our sixth year in a row, an honor based on confidential survey responses from our own staff.

When the people providing healthcare services and supportive housing feel valued, clients feel the difference.

Thank you to our team, and congratulations to all of this year’s honorees!

We're grateful to recognize Intermountain Community Care Foundation as a longtime partner of First Step House's Valor Ho...
10/23/2026

We're grateful to recognize Intermountain Community Care Foundation as a longtime partner of First Step House's Valor House.

Valor House offers a full continuum of care for veterans experiencing homelessness and behavioral health challenges. With access to therapists, case managers, peer support specialists, and a VA liaison – and up to two years of support – veterans have a dedicated team walking with them every step of the way toward stability.

The results reflect the impact: 86% of Valor House veterans exited to permanent housing last year, compared to a national average of 69%.

Thank you, Intermountain Health and Intermountain Community Care Foundation, for your continued commitment to Utah's veterans.

It was an honor to celebrate Shawn McMillen yesterday at the Utah Business Healthcare Heroes luncheon! Shawn has led Fir...
10/22/2026

It was an honor to celebrate Shawn McMillen yesterday at the Utah Business Healthcare Heroes luncheon!

Shawn has led First Step House for 21 years. Under his leadership, people who were turned away elsewhere have found treatment and a home with us. He’d much rather talk about our clients and staff than about himself, and he’s been a little embarrassed by all the attention. The rest of us have been enjoying it on his behalf.

Congratulations, Shawn!

Learn more about this year’s Healthcare Heroes honorees at https://bit.ly/4BoLOGU

First Step House is proud to announce that our Executive Director, Shawn McMillen, has been named a 2026 Utah Business H...
10/21/2026

First Step House is proud to announce that our Executive Director, Shawn McMillen, has been named a 2026 Utah Business Healthcare Hero.

This honor recognizes Utah leaders who have made a significant impact on healthcare in our state. Shawn’s vision for integrated healthcare, housing, and recovery services has shaped First Step House into the regional system of care it is today, and his commitment to the people we serve drives everything we do.

Congratulations, Shawn. We are honored to work alongside you.

First Step House was honored to be selected for HCT Applauds at Hale Centre Theatre which has been spotlighting our miss...
10/14/2026

First Step House was honored to be selected for HCT Applauds at Hale Centre Theatre which has been spotlighting our mission throughout the run of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town on its new Beehive Stage.

On September 9, our team and supporters joined Hale Centre Theatre for an evening performance. Our Town explores community, resilience, and hope, themes that feel close to home for the work we do and the people we serve.

Thank you, Hale Centre Theatre, for recognizing First Step House and sharing our story with your audiences! If you’re in the area, there’s still time to experience it. Our Town plays through October 19.

Learn more and get tickets: https://bit.ly/4gZqsba

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15, this month honors the histories, cu...
10/12/2026

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15, this month honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

At First Step House, we celebrate the diversity of our community and are committed to providing care that honors each person's unique background and identity.

This month, we stand with and celebrate the Hispanic and Latino voices in our community.

We're honored to spotlight U.S. Bank Foundation as a partner of First Step House's Case Management Program.Case manageme...
10/09/2026

We're honored to spotlight U.S. Bank Foundation as a partner of First Step House's Case Management Program.

Case management is the backbone of what we do. Each year, our case managers support more than 900 people navigating some of life's most complex challenges. From connecting clients to basic identification documents to employment support and housing applications, they provide the wraparound care people need to build lasting stability.

Thank you, US Bank Foundation, for investing in this work and in the people we serve.

We're grateful to recognize First Electronic Bank for their generous support of our Medical Integration Program.For many...
10/02/2026

We're grateful to recognize First Electronic Bank for their generous support of our Medical Integration Program.

For many of the people we serve, healthcare has always been just out of reach. Barriers like lack of transportation and the instability of homelessness make even basic care feel impossible.

This program changes all of that. By connecting clients with primary and preventive care, chronic condition management, medication support, and specialist referrals from day one, we remove barriers and make healthcare achievable for the people who need it most.

Thank you, First Electronic Bank, for helping make access to quality healthcare a reality.

Address

440 South 500 East
Salt Lake City, UT
84102

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+18013598862

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