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Stepping Stone Ministries Medical Respite Center Bismarck, ND
Stepping Stone Ministries has a new location! Renovations began in February 2025! Grand Opening Scheduled for Fall 2025!
Our Mission
The mission of Stepping Stone Ministries is to provide a safe and healing environment for individuals experiencing homelessness who need to recover from illness or injury. While providing respite recovery, we seek to foster community connections that will promote stable housing, recovery and independence.
What is Medical Respite Care?
Medical respite care is a short-term, non-institutional service that provides medical and supportive care to individuals experiencing homelessness who are too ill or frail to recover from illness or injury on the streets, but not sick enough to require hospitalization or skilled nursing facility care. It offers a safe and supportive environment where individuals can receive the necessary medical care and support to recuperate.
Medical respite care plays a crucial role in addressing the complex healthcare needs of homeless individuals and reducing the length of hospital stays. It offers a compassionate and cost-effective solution for those who are experiencing homelessness and require medical care and support.
Join our volunteer community
Join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness in our communities. Together, we can provide hope, healing, and a path to stability.
FAQs
What is Stepping Stone Ministries?
Stepping Stone Ministries is a nonprofit organization in Bismarck, North Dakota that provides medical respite care for people experiencing homelessness. We offer a safe place for individuals to recover from illness, injury, or surgery after hospital discharge when they have no home to return to.
What is medical respite care?
Medical respite care is short-term residential care for people experiencing homelessness who are too ill to be on the streets or in shelters, but not sick enough to stay in the hospital. At Stepping Stone Ministries, guests receive a clean, safe space, nutritious meals, medication support, and care coordination to help them regain health and stability.
Who can stay at Stepping Stone Ministries?
Our program serves adults experiencing homelessness who are medically stable but need a safe place to recover. Referrals come directly from hospitals or similar. We review each referral carefully to ensure the guest’s needs can be met safely at our facility.
How long can someone stay?
The average stay is two to six weeks, depending on the individual’s recovery needs and housing plan. Our goal is to support each guest until they are well enough to transition safely into stable housing or another supportive environment.
How are guests referred to the program?
All referrals are direct discharge from the hospital only. Healthcare providers can contact us directly by phone or email to discuss eligibility and availability.
Does Stepping Stone Ministries provide medical treatment?
We are not a medical facility, but we work closely with healthcare providers. Guests continue to receive medical care through their doctors, nurses, or clinics, while we provide a safe, healing environment and assistance with follow-up care, transportation, and recovery support.
Is there a cost to stay at Stepping Stone Ministries?
No. Our services are provided at no cost to guests. The program is funded through donations, grants, and partnerships with local organizations that believe in our mission to provide compassionate recovery care.
How can I help or get involved?
There are several ways to help:
- Donate online or by mail to support meals, supplies, and operations.
- Volunteer your time with meals, transportation, or facility care.
- Partner with us as a church, business, or healthcare organization to extend our impact.
Where is Stepping Stone Ministries located?
We are located at:
112 South 24th Street, Bismarck, ND 58504
Mailing Address: PO Box 1492, Bismarck, ND 58502
Visitors and partners are welcome by appointment.
How can I contact Stepping Stone Ministries?
You can reach us by calling 701-426-7737 or by emailing idelle@steppingstoneministries.com