Hermiston Homeless Shelter Sees 20% Increase in Overnight Stays in 2025

PATH transitional shelter between Hermiston and Umatilla served over 5,000 guests last year, up from 4,000 in 2024.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 5:00am

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The Practical Assistance through Transitional Housing (PATH) shelter in Hermiston, Oregon saw a 20% increase in overnight stays in 2025, with more than 5,000 guests utilizing the facility. The shelter, operated by the Stepping Stones Alliance, provides temporary housing and services to help homeless individuals transition to permanent housing.

Why it matters

The increase in overnight stays at PATH highlights the growing need for homeless services in the Hermiston-Umatilla area, as the region grapples with housing affordability and income challenges. The shelter's focus on providing transitional support and building independence aims to create long-term solutions to homelessness in the community.

The details

PATH averaged between 10-20 nightly stays in its Sleep Center in 2025, representing over 350 individuals. Guests must stay in the Sleep Center for 14 consecutive nights before becoming 'members' eligible for the shelter's individual units. The busiest months were March with 591 stays and October with 580 stays. PATH requires members to take classes focused on academics, finances, resume building, and job skills to help them find employment and permanent housing.

  • PATH had over 5,000 overnight stays in 2025, up from 4,000 in 2024.
  • The busiest months were March 2025 with 591 stays and October 2025 with 580 stays.

The players

Stepping Stones Alliance

The nonprofit organization that operates the PATH transitional shelter.

Jesalyn Cole

The executive director of Stepping Stones Alliance.

PATH

The Practical Assistance through Transitional Housing shelter that provides temporary housing and services to homeless individuals in the Hermiston-Umatilla area.

Carolina Delgato

The director of the Navigation Center at PATH, who works with members to set goals and develop skills for independent living.

John

A senior citizen and veteran who was able to move into his own apartment with the help of PATH staff after becoming homeless.

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What they’re saying

“The Sleep Center numbers continue to be high. Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more new guests. Times are not good for housing or income. So, we're thankful we are able to give the services that we do give.”

— Jesalyn Cole, Executive Director, Stepping Stones Alliance

“We're really building that community and that level of trust so that members are sharing with us what their needs are and really growing their independence.”

— Jesalyn Cole, Executive Director, Stepping Stones Alliance

“We want to see success, so we strive to build a community that creates stability for members while they are here, and independence beyond our campus. We are working on long-term goals and long-term solutions, and this takes time.”

— Jesalyn Cole, Executive Director, Stepping Stones Alliance

What’s next

PATH plans to continue expanding its services and transitional support to help more homeless individuals in the Hermiston-Umatilla area find stable, permanent housing.

The takeaway

The growing demand for services at the PATH shelter underscores the persistent challenges of homelessness in the region, but also highlights the organization's commitment to providing comprehensive, community-based solutions to help people rebuild their lives and achieve independence.