Wanda L. McArn is the driving force behind the forming of Next Step Development Corporation (NSDC) and serves as the CEO and Chair of the Board of Directors.   Wanda lived in and traveled to some of the largest cities in the U.S. during her career and was overwhelmed by the sheer number of homeless Americans sleeping under highway underpasses, in tent cities or the parks, streets, and storefronts.   Closer to home, she has several family members dealing with substance abuse issues and mental illness. Others are couch surfing, paying daily for hotels, or sleeping in their cars, all with jobs but can't find affordable apartments.   This firsthand experience has made her an advocate for an improved and more robust mental health system and affordable housing strategies that meet the community's needs.  Wanda developed the idea for Next Step Development Corporation and contacted seven passionate and community-focused individuals to serve on the Founding Board of Directors.   

Next Step Development Corporation addresses the issue of chronic homelessness in North Carolina. Their mission is to provide supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness or unhoused by developing tiny home villages, affordable housing units, and emergency shelters.   They provide case management, job training, life skills training, mental health, and substance use support groups, as well as, resident focused community services such as vegetable gardens, food pantries, clothing closets and basic essentials.   They aim to address their need for safe permanent housing and give them a sense of belonging.  

Contact her at [email protected] or visit www.nextstepdevelopmentcorporation.org!