History of HALO - Our Facility - Goals - Participant Quotes
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2003 - United Way of Racine County convenes community task force on homelessness. More than 100 people spend six months to develop strategic principles that are the beginnings of HALO.
- 2003-04 Transition Advisory Council (comprised of key funders and providers) develops business plan that calls for consolidation of two major agencies and creation of a new leadership organization to address emergency shelter and chronic homelessness.
- December 2004 - United Way makes lead gift of $150,000 to capital campaign and start-up budget. Racine Community Foundation joins Ernie and Bernice Styberg in providing grant funds for transition costs.
- 2004-05 HALO board recruited; HALO incorporated. Revised business plan approved by board January 12, 2005. Endorsed by RAMAC February 1, 2005.
- 2005-06 HALO successfully completes Capital Campaign. HALO completes renovation of a former factory building, moves men, women and children into the facility and is fully staffed.
The Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization, Inc. (HALO) is a 120 bed emergency shelter located at 2000 DeKoven Avenue in Racine, WI. HALO meets emergency shelter needs for all men, women and children who are experiencing homelessness, coordinates supportive services that help homeless adults become self-sufficient, provides community leadership to prevent chronic homelessness and ensures children get positive support through stable living and learning environments. HALO also leases 20 independent apartments in Racine for families transitioning from homelessness to independence.
The Children’s Program serves children from birth to 18 years old and families. In 2006, HALO served over 200 children. The program assists parents in identifying and overcoming obstacles so that children experiencing homelessness gain support and the necessary resources to succeed. The children either reside at HALO homeless shelter or are a part of our Transitional Housing Program (THP) or are in our Outreach Program. Families complete an individual success plan to determine goals.
Our program goals and outcomes include: young children exhibiting healthy development so HALO assesses children of all ages and grade levels to determine their abilities; insuring all children are 100% up to date on their immunizations; children increasing academic skills through assessment and tutoring; and parents increasing their parenting skills by attending age appropriate workshops and classes. HALO has created a Home Health and Safety Kit for those families to take with them when they leave shelter. HALO also supports families for three to six months after they leave shelter with household supplies and tools of literacy – learning games and books. HALO goals and outcomes focus on three important factors of life: physical health, academic growth, and a solid support system that includes knowledgeable and nurturing parents. The goals and outcomes are also essential to the community to aid in breaking the cyclical pattern of poverty and homelessness one family at a time.
Through shelter programming and collaboration with other agencies, HALO is able to provide valuable resources to assist children. Each child receives coordinated case management, goal planning, referrals to family services, well check-ups, speech therapy, hearing, dental and vision screenings, placement in educational childcare programs and advocacy. Children also learn problem-solving skills, participate in activities, go on field trips, attend outings and receive tutoring and mentoring. HALO is the only agency in Racine that serves this entire age group and all their issues and needs while working on the parent’s issues and needs at the same time.
Miracle Funds will be used to hire a tutor coordinator to train volunteer tutors and develop a quality program, to help pay for the vision and hearing screenings and dental check ups and to support our families with supplies and the Health and Safety Kits when they leave shelter. Since our shelter is less than two years old, Miracle funds will also be used to create our children’s outdoor play space. Volunteers for tutoring, mentoring and child care activities are always welcome.
- To create a leadership organization that expands the continuum of care to prevent chronic homelessness in Racine County.
- To serve as a model of effective non-profit management using and developing sustainable funding streams and people resources to meet increasing demand of the organization.
- Provide emergency shelter for all men, women, and children in need.
- Prevent chronic homelessness through services that help homeless adults become self-sufficient.
- Ensure homeless children get positive support through stable living and learning environments.
- Become the leading organization for the homeless in Racine County.
- Meet participants needs for basic food and shelter.
- Participants gain access to additional needed resources.
- Participants understand the steps they need to take toward self-sufficiency through an Individual Success Plan.
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Participants develop skills to obtain housing and employment, as well as further education, if appropriate.
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“I can’t even express how I feel about being grateful for the things the shelter has done for me. I would recommend it to anyone if you want the help and take the steps. This shelter will go to back and front to supply you with the needs that need to be met.” -Mother with 2 children.
“I just wanted to say thank you for letting me stay as long as I did because without your support I don’t know where I would be without it.” -A 19 year-old, one of the youngest participants at HALO.
“I did not plan this but I know staying at HALO was a blessing and a joy! God’s answer to my prayers. When I lived in Racine, I prayed for R.E.S.T and HALO” -Middle-aged participant with short stay who moved out of state.
