HALO: The First Step to Independence and Stable Housing

Impact Partner Spotlight

Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization (HALO): The First Step to Independence and Stable Housing 

Oct. 14, 2020

Three kids living at HALO wear Halloween costumes and pose. One wears a unicorn onesie and holds a "BFF" sign on a stick; one wears a giraffe onesie and holds a mustache on a stick to their mouth; and in front of them both, a clown wearing a half-mask of a bloody skull holds up "pow" and "booom" signs. Behind the kids is a green backdrop with the HALO logo.HALO shelters those who are literally homeless, often living in places not meant for human habitation: on the streets, in alleys, in abandoned buildings and in vehicles. This organization is a low-barrier shelter—meaning it has eligibility criteria and rules for its clients, but it enforces them in a way that doesn't exclude people who need shelter.     

In 2019, HALO provided emergency shelter to 706 people, including 122 children. Its clients are often veterans, have mental illness, and/or have survived domestic violence. While clients span all races, ages and genders, the majority of clients are Black or white and male. Of those who left HALO's shelter last year, the majority exited in 30 days or less.

While the community mainly sees HALO as a homeless shelter, it also operates several housing programs that provide rent assistance and case management. This case management assures HALO's clients access other community supports, which is a vital component of HALO's self-sufficiency model.

When someone enters a homeless shelter, the goal is to exit that person into safe, stable housing. HALO is committed to reducing the number of individuals needing shelter, reducing the length of time its clients spend in shelter, increasing the income of its shelter and housing program clients, and reducing the number of people returning to homelessness. 

What makes HALO stand out among other organizations?

Like many organizations, HALO provides valuable, necessary services. However, HALO is also a temporary “home” to persons experiencing homelessness. While people rebuild their lives, they can find a safe temporary residence with HALO.    

Can you tell me a story about a time when you realized your organization’s impact? 

Fred and Jeff, two former clients of HALO, share a table at United Way's Victory Celebration. They lean together and grin at a photographer. "Live United" is projected in white light on the wall behind them.Jeff struggled with alcoholism for many years. Due to his drinking, he and his wife divorced, and he missed most of his son’s childhood. From 2009 to 2010, HALO was the only place he had to go home to.

Although Jeff usually complied with the shelter's rules, he often returned intoxicated. In order to stay with HALO, he needed to get treatment for his alcoholism. Jeff had been in and out of treatment for 30 years, but in 2009, he began his path towards permanent sobriety. He picked up a Joyce Meyer book, got involved with a church, and developed a friendship with the pastor—all helping him to change his habits for good.

During treatment, he began thinking of returning to school when a vocational assessment suggested he would make a good counselor. Jeff ended up successfully completing an AODA certificate at Gateway, then an associate's degree, and finally a bachelor's degree. Jeff simultaneously undertook a third-shift internship with HALO that transformed into a full-time site staff role—and in the summer of 2020, he was promoted to a shelter navigator case manager. His time as a HALO client now provides him a degree of empathy and familiarity that enables him to be a strong supporter of current clients. 

What do you think most people would be surprised to learn about HALO?

On any given day, several families with children of all ages—from infancy to their late teens—are in shelter. To provide these children with education and recreation, HALO operates a children’s program. While some kids develop their artistic side through the program's arts and crafts time, others write and perform plays for the public, thanks to a partnership between HALO and the Racine Arts Council. While the actors perform, those who made arts and crafts sell their handiwork to the guests to benefit the Eco-Justice Center, one of their regular field trip sites.

Is there anything else you think the community should know about your work?

HALO is more than a shelter program. Its Supportive Services Program provides case management to clients of its shelter and housing programs. Within five days of shelter entry, clients meet with a case manager, thus beginning their journey towards self-sufficiency and stable housing. For the first ten days, the client and case manager work together to address immediate needs for mainstream benefits, healthcare, transportation, employment, and education. After this, a second case manager supports the client through longterm planning for their independence and future housing. 

Gai Lorenzen is the executive director of HALO, and Nina Thillemann is the deputy director.

Want to support HALO and those it shelters?

  • Oct. 24HALO's 15th anniversary cupcake sale and virtual Cake Off (PDF)
  • Call (262) 633-3235 to donate supplies:
    • Personal hygiene items, including
      • Foot powder
      • Disposable razors
      • Shaving cream
      • Menstrual products
    • Winter wear for adults and children, including
      • Hats
      • Coats
      • Gloves
      • Mittens