Our Founder
Kimetha Stallings
Experienced, Educated, Certified, and Respected
Kim Melanson
This picture of our founder is also a picture of an addict. Soon after this was taken, she would find herself in a cycle of destruction and loss, homelessness and grief, and life-changing consequences before finding meaning and purpose in her life. These experiences prepared her for today’s work and brings hope to others.
Portland State University
Kimetha earned a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, graduating summa cum laude in 2019. She enrolled at Portland State after completing her associate’s degree in human services at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon. She interned at UCAN’s money management program.
SOAR Certified
SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) is a national program designed to increase access to Social Security disability benefits for eligible individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder.
Beverly "Ma" Curtis Award
In October 2019, Kimetha was recognized for her work to end homelessness in Oregon. She felt greatly honored and accepted this award with gratitude and humility. This work cannot be done alone, it always takes a team.
Winter Warming Center
Onward operated the overnight shelter during the winter of 2022 which is open during especially cold nights to provide a warm, safe place for people who would otherwise be outside. Kimetha had been a morning volunteer for the Roseburg Dream Center warming center for three seasons.
Under the Bridge Outreach
Kimetha has been part of the outreach team with Under the Bridge in Roseburg, Oregon since Spring 2017. A sack lunch and basic supplies are brought to people living rough in the area. Outreach is particularly helpful for those who cannot get to services or do not know what services are available.