At ReloShare, we understand the complex realities that social service providers face every day. That’s why we've assembled a team of industry experts—former shelter directors, nonprofit leaders, policy advocates, cybersecurity specialists, gender-based violence experts, and direct-service professionals—who have been exactly where ReloShare’s users are today.
In each installment of this series, you'll meet one of our team members, hear about their experiences, and learn actionable insights to enhance your community's emergency and transitional housing strategies. Best of all, ReloShare’s expertise is available to you free of charge as a Safe Stays or Grove customer.
Ready to rethink how your community approaches emergency housing?
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Nani Daniels— Senior Partnerships Account Executive, Safe Stays
Previous Experience: Victim Advocate at DA’s Office, Treatment Coordinator, and Case Manager at local non-profit
Previous Experience: See Nani's full background and connect with her on LinkedIn.
Tell us briefly about your background and expertise in social services. How did your career evolve before joining ReloShare?
Prior to joining the ReloShare team—and even before obtaining my undergraduate degree—I knew I wanted to support and work alongside members of my community. At the time, I didn’t yet know what that would look like, and while my path has taken many turns, my focus has always remained the same: how can I help?
While in undergrad, I volunteered at a local nonprofit that helped adults with developmental disabilities build essential life skills, which helped solidify my direction. After earning my degree in Psychology, I was eager to dive into direct service. I began working at a behavioral health organization supporting families and children involved with the Department of Child Safety. This experience led me to explore a clinical path, but I eventually realized I was drawn to a more macro-level approach to supporting people and creating systemic change.
I went on to complete a graduate degree in Legal and Forensic Psychology and transitioned into an advocacy role at my local District Attorney’s office, working with survivors in the Special Victims Bureau.
Across all of these roles—Case Manager, Treatment Coordinator, Advocate—I witnessed both the strengths and the limitations of the systems we rely on. I saw not only where things worked, but also where they fell short—not just for survivors, individuals, families, and children, but for the social workers doing their best to support them. That’s when I came across ReloShare and Safe Stays. I was immediately fascinated by the concept; I even told my now colleagues that at first, I thought it was too good to be true!
In my previous roles, I managed caseloads of 100+ clients and depended heavily on community partners for wraparound services. Too often, my only option was to refer people and hope they’d be connected to the help they urgently needed. I would always think back to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: with everything someone is facing, the last thing they should be worried about is, “Where am I going to sleep tonight?”
If we had a tool like Safe Stays back then, I could have taken one major worry off my clients’ plates. I could have given them immediate access to safety—without relying on another agency, completing lengthy referral forms, or waiting on callbacks. And that would’ve freed me up to focus on what mattered most: helping them stabilize and move forward.
Just because something has always been done a certain way—like referring out for services—doesn’t mean we have to keep doing it that way. I learned early on the importance of working smarter, not harder. That’s exactly what ReloShare’s products allow us to do. They don’t replace our community partners—they strengthen those connections. Safe Stays adds a vital link in the chain of care, and that’s what true wraparound services look like.
What specific areas did your previous work focus on (e.g., cybersecurity, gender-based violence, shelter management)? Why is this work critical to improving emergency housing programs?
My background includes legal advocacy, child and family services, mental and behavioral health, and systems-level coordination across public/government and nonprofit sectors. Much of my work has centered on supporting survivors of violence, families involved in the child welfare system, and individuals navigating complex service networks with limited access to immediate resources. This experience has shown me how critical it is to streamline support systems, especially when it comes to emergency housing. Programs can't only rely on outdated referral processes or one-size-fits-all approaches. Real impact comes from meeting people where they are and offering practical, timely solutions that reduce barriers.
How does your specific expertise directly inform the support and guidance you provide to ReloShare customers?
My background in direct service, case management, and advocacy allows me to support ReloShare customers with insight grounded in lived, frontline experience. I understand the urgency, the administrative hurdles/ “red tape,” and the emotional toll that comes with trying to secure safe housing for someone in crisis. Because I’ve been there, I can often anticipate what customers need—and what might get in their way—before those challenges even surface.
I love collaborating with customers to strategize solutions that may not create a perfect picture—but get us meaningfully close. Whether it’s reworking a workflow, identifying unnecessary steps, or reimagining how a referral is handled, I help agencies ask the right questions: Is this process serving us? Could it be simpler? My goal is always to help agencies use ReloShare’s tools in ways that feel intuitive, efficient, and aligned with their mission. I also understand that every organization has its own pace and priorities, so I approach each partnership with flexibility and a commitment to meeting them where they are.
From your perspective, what are some common gaps or overlooked challenges in emergency and transitional housing strategies?
One of the most common challenges I see is static thinking—when agencies or organizations hold on to policies or processes simply because "that's how it's always been done." In emergency and transitional housing, this mindset can limit opportunities to try new approaches that could significantly ease the burden on both social workers and the clients they serve.
I understand that change can be intimidating—especially when modifying a long-standing system could impact many lives. But sometimes, the fear of the unknown prevents us from exploring solutions that might actually be more effective, more dignified, and more client-centered. Taking calculated risks and being open to innovation—whether it's through technology, flexible housing partnerships, or revised protocols—can lead to outcomes better than we ever imagined.
Agencies that adopt a more adaptive, forward-thinking mindset are better equipped to respond to real-time needs, reduce staff burnout, and ultimately offer safer, faster, and more empowering support to those in crisis.
What has been your most impactful experience at ReloShare in applying your expertise to help social service agencies?
One of my most impactful experiences at ReloShare has been supporting tribal organizations—particularly because it connects deeply to my roots. I’m originally from Arizona, a state with one of the largest Indigenous populations in the country, and in my previous roles I witnessed firsthand how difficult it can be for tribal agencies to navigate systemic barriers when trying to access safe housing for their communities.
Tribal entities often face unique challenges due to jurisdictional complexity, funding restrictions, and the need to operate across both federal and local systems. At ReloShare, I’ve had the opportunity to work with tribal communities from initial conversation all the way through to becoming fully active customers. It’s been incredibly rewarding to help them cut through red tape, create workflows that meet their compliance needs, and expand housing options for community members.
Being able to build those bridges—especially with agencies that share the same challenges I once faced—has felt both full-circle and deeply meaningful. It’s a reminder of why this work matters and how platforms like Safe Stays can be a powerful tool when placed in the hands of those doing the hard work on the ground.
What unique perspective or strength do you bring to the team at ReloShare and to the customers who seek your guidance?
One of the key strengths I bring to ReloShare is a deep understanding of both nonprofit and government systems—two sectors that often work toward the same goals, but operate in vastly different ways. Having worked within each, I’ve seen how differences in structure, funding, and decision-making impact program implementation, service delivery, and collaboration.
Because I’ve navigated these systems firsthand, I recognize the real-world barriers agencies face—outdated processes, limited capacity, and the need to stretch resources. I use that insight to help partners implement Safe Stays in a way that aligns with their protocols while offering a more flexible, immediate solution. Whether I’m supporting a government housing program or a nonprofit agency, I approach each partnership with a realistic, collaborative mindset—one that respects how their systems actually function. My goal is to offer solutions that are not just theoretically sound, but practical and sustainable within their existing workflows.
If an agency is hesitant or unsure about adopting new strategies or tools, what advice would you offer based on your past professional experiences?
I always encourage agencies to remember that one way of doing things is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution. Just because a current process is in place doesn’t mean it can’t be improved—or made more efficient, flexible, and compassionate. The most effective approach is to evaluate what’s working well and what isn’t, then build from there. Keep the parts that support staff and clients, and rework what creates barriers or delays. You can absolutely have both—systems that work well for staff and meet the needs of clients efficiently. It also helps to zoom out and consider the full range of challenges your clients face. Then ask: How can this new tool or strategy help meet those needs more effectively? Innovation should be seen as an opportunity to serve better, not as a disruption.
Being open to change doesn’t mean abandoning what’s familiar—it means being strategic, thoughtful, and willing to adapt for the sake of those we support.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
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