When asked why he would take grant funded position Housing Navigator job with the Emergency Shelter of NKY when he is only promised one year (grant monies would have to renew each year), local boy, Zach Rechtin, answered that the most important thing to him is that he feels he is doing something of value for his community. This position is funded through the Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile Foundation who is committed to helping ESNKY find creative ways to end homelessness the only way it can be… by finding a home for individuals without stable housing.When you look into his past jobs, you can see he is telling you the truth. He has made a difference in organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Newport Aquarium. Campbell County PD, DCCH Center for Children and Families, and local schools. Even while he is employed as ESNKY’s first Housing Navigator, he is also coaching high school soccer…still making a difference in people’s lives.
But what IS a Housing Navigator and why is it important that ESNKY have one? What can he do that our homeless recovery program guests cannot? Zach focuses on the men in our winter & summer housing recovery program to assist in their home search. He does much of the legwork that the men in the program can’t take off work to do…scouring the ads, previewing apartments and mediating with landlords. He knows the rules, is familiar with local housing, and the steps it will take to get into a place. Zach can communicate this information to guests, come along beside them, and help them step off of the streets and find a permanent home. He points out that some individuals who have been homeless for an extended period may not have the social skills to approach a landlord or even handle basic communication once in the apartment. Zach can help with communication and mediation of issues so they can stay housed. While the men are busy working, saving up to 70% of their income, Zach can help give them a voice & choice in their home search.
When asked what he would tell the “average Joe” about homelessness in general, he remarked that the “average Joe” could be homeless! Homeless individuals aren’t all addicts or alcoholics; they may be a working individual that is having to sleep in their car, working paycheck to paycheck, and just needs a little help during this time in their life. Zach’s goal is to help as many as possible get off the streets permanently or never end up there in the first place. We hope that your goals are achieved, Zach!
To see the full video interview with Zach, click on the link below:
ESNKY thanks Board Member Joy Tarleton and her husband, Rodney, for interviewing Zach, writing this post and publishing Zach's video on YouTube.