CHA assisted HPI in converting a former smoke shop into a 1,742 square foot skills training center for neuro-divergent adults, adjacent to HPI’s Hermiston location. The STEP Center for Independent Living expands HPI’s independent living services for individuals experiencing intellection and developmental disabilities (IDD), expanding supported employment, skill-building, socialization, and education.

Committed to enhancing individuals’ lives through comprehensive support and resources, the STEP Center utilizes a central, flexible instruction area offering career development planning, life skills mentoring, and job coaching. Daily activities and skill-building for community living and supported employment services are facilitated in the central space, complemented by a residential kitchen, laundry area, and bed-making station. Additionally, a small conference room is available for one-on-one job coaching and interviews.

The project aimed to enhance usability through improvements to building access and internal navigation. The natural warmth of the existing wood ceiling structure was preserved, and durable materials were used in a non-institutional manner. With user well-being in mind, improvements were made to lighting and building systems efficiency. Exterior enhancements, such as canopies for weather protection, direct access from the parking area, and a new storefront entry system, were also prioritized.