Rates of Stay Decrease, Permanent Placement Rates Increase
A former educator, down on her luck, was able to secure housing within a couple of months; a person deep in debt was able to come back into the black and find housing mere blocks from their workplace; and more people can potentially be served due to the outstanding work being done through the staff at The Salvation Army’s Renaissance Housing program.
Kyle Zinke, a 20-year veteran in social work, has been a driving force behind increased program success rates. Zinke started with The Salvation Army of Omaha as housing director in March 2023 – and between July 1 and December 31, 79.95% of the people enrolled in The Salvation Army’s transitional housing program found permanent housing. When Zinke started, the rate of those served finding permanent housing was just 30%.
“I’ve known Kyle for several years, after having worked together at PromiseShip,” said Ryan LeGrande, Omaha Social Services director and Zinke’s boss. “I knew I was getting someone who was passionate about the populations we serve, would do so with compassion, but was also not afraid to hold our residents and our staff accountable. I think what has impressed me the most was how quickly he, and his team, were able to turn everything around.”
Zinke has focused on case management, expecting clients and managers to meet weekly and building engagement between the two groups. He has also used relationships he has built over his career to help those who come to The Salvation Army get on their feet in a more timely manner.
One of those ways was hiring property asset coordinator Amber Sanchez, a housing industry expert who was excited to be a part of this forward-thinking, hardworking team.
“Having the total collaboration amongst the staff has been fantastic,” Sanchez said. “I’m familiar with all the housing pieces in the area, so there’s been a total collaboration of resources.”
Zinke also likes to stay involved with those he manages and serves. “I think Kyle’s management style has set him apart,” LeGrande said.
The former educator who came through the referral process had experienced a late-life divorce and additionally found herself caring for her grandchildren. Team member Dawn Weibel was able to find a brand-new apartment complex in Papillion that met the program’s qualifications, allowing this grandmother to move into her own apartment within a couple of months. The Salvation Army still assists her with programs such as the annual back-to-school backpack drive, but today, she lives independently with her grandchildren.
These success stories have helped to motivate others being served through the temporary housing program. The result has been a decrease in average length of stay from 8.5-9 months to about 6.5 months.
When hope and community come together, great things happen.