The Salvation Army Takes Another Step to Help the Homeless

Sheboygan, Wis.—For the second year in a row the state has awarded a TBRA (Tenent Based Rental Assistance) grant of $100,000 to the Sheboygan Salvation Army. This money will be used specifically to fund the Transitional Living Program.

Started in June of last year, the program is based on a housing first model. Individuals who are chronically homeless, reside in Sheboygan County, and may have addiction and/or a mental health issue may qualify for the Transitional Living Program.

The Salvation Army’s shelter, consistently on overflow for the past 2 years has seen a great need in Sheboygan County for just such a program.

“We would see these folks 3, 4 or 5 times a year and they just couldn’t seem to keep any permanent housing,” said Social Service Director Joe Rupnik.

Statistics show that chronic homeless people account for 10% of the homeless population but use 80% of the resources. The aim of the program is to break the cycle of chronic homelessness among individuals who suffer from mental health or addiction issues.

Transitional Living clients work intensively with their Salvation Army case worker to help keep them focused on their short and long-term goals. “We [the case managers] work with the client to be proactive and try to solve issues before they become big problems,” Rupnik said.

“The main goal is to have the client establish independence which leads to ending the homeless trend and a better quality of life,” said Salvation Army’s Housing Counselor Char Neitzel-Goostree.