1stepup inc

Hi, my name is Quiana Malone, and I am the Founder and Executive Director of 1Step Up Inc. My journey to creating 2nd Level Homes is deeply personal—because I’ve been where so many families are today.

There was a time in my life when, despite working two jobs, I still couldn’t afford stable housing. I found myself sleeping at a bus stop, trying to figure out how to keep pushing forward. I wasn’t looking for a handout—I just needed a step up, a real opportunity to save, plan, and build a future. But that help wasn’t there.

That’s why I created 2nd Level Homes—a transitional housing program designed to provide exactly what I needed back then: a safe home, financial education, and a clear path to permanent housing.

I’m raising funds to launch this life-changing program for women and children who just need that extra support to secure stable housing. Your donations will help provide:

✔️ Fully furnished, temporary housing so families can focus on rebuilding their lives

✔️ A built-in savings plan—a portion of rent is saved and returned to participants as a down payment for permanent housing

✔️ Financial literacy, personal development, and career training to ensure long-term success

Too many families fall through the cracks because they don’t qualify for assistance or resources are stretched too thin. We are here to bridge that gap.

With your support, we can help families move from struggle to stability, just like I did.

Donate today and help change a life—one home, one family, one future at a time.