By Bill Houston
Gai Lorenzen, executive director of the Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization (HALO), Inc., announced she will be retiring from that position in the summer of 2020.
Lorenzen joined HALO as interim director in March 2017. During her tenure she oversaw the successful implementation of a new low barrier shelter model. There was also an increase in household income for clients involved with HALO programs and an upsurge in the number of clients transitioning back to housing from shelter living.
“I will miss HALO very much, but it is the right time for HALO and me to move on to the next chapter,” said Lorenzen who has agreed to remain with HALO temporarily to ensure a smooth transition after the new Executive Director begins.
Located at 2000 DeKoven Ave., Unit 1, HALO is Racine’s largest general population homeless shelter. Its mission involves helping clients achieve self-sufficiency and stable housing.
“The Board expresses our deepest thanks to Gai for all she has done,” said the HALO Board of Directors, which has formed a search committee to fill the executive director’s position.
Qualified candidates will be required to have experience in nonprofit leadership, a deep understanding of the root causes of homelessness, and strong ties to the Racine community.