10 Key Players
In no particular order ... here are ten of the key organizations leading the fight to end homelessness at a national level.
1. Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH)
Established by Congress in 1987 with the passage of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, the ICH is a hub of federal resources and information that addresss homelessness.. Recognizing that the most effective initiatives take place at the local level, the ICH specializes in providing technical assistance to local communities and evaluating and sharing innovative approaches to ending homelessness. In addition to the wealth of information about federal funding and guidelines, this site offers up-to-date information about 10-Year Plans to End Homelessness taking place across the country. Also, check out their diverse listing of replicable innovations that are preventing and ending homelessness across the country.
Okay, so it's not explicitly an organization for the homeless. But if you're concerned about the well-being of individuals affected by poverty (which is, of course, one of the major factors leading to homelessness) check out the Coalition on Human Needs. Established in 1981 in response to the Reagan Administration's proposals to consolidate targeted human needs federal funding into block grants, their website offers tons of information about issues affecting vulnerable populations from food stamps to employment issues, housing, homelessness, etc. Sign up for their mailing list and look out for action alerts.
3. National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH)
Since 1981, NCH has been a hub for advocates, service-providers, and community leaders. Their simple goal: To create the systemic and attitudinal changes necessary to end homelessness in America. Their website is chock full of informative reports, current news, legislative updates, and advocacy alerts. Join their network, attend one of their many events, and become an active advocate!
4. National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH)
On the national stage, the NAEH is the leading voice on the issue of homelessness. As a non-partisan organization, the NAEH provides research to policy-makers in an effort to inform the homelessness debate in America. Many of the current best practices being put to use across the country, such as Housing First, were first identified and tested by NAEH. Join their network to receive weekly email updates.
5. National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
As more and more veterans return from Iraq and Afghanistan, homeless service agencies are bracing for a surge in homelessness among veterans. Homelessness disproportionately affects our military men and women, and the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans is a great resource for up-to-date information about what is being done to address this unacceptable crisis. Be sure to look at their helpful advocacy guide.
6. National Health Care for the Homeless Council
Being homeless places a person at a greater risk of becoming sick. Sometimes, just being sick can make you homeless. National Health Care for the Homeless Council, a network of people working to improve the health of homeless people, is there for these cases. The agencies, clinicians, and advocates who make up the NHCHC believe that housing and health care are human rights, not privileges. If you've ever wanted a primer on street drugs, what happens to homeless people living outside during the winter, or the health effects of homelessness on children, you'll find that information- and much, much more- here.
7. National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty
What would happen if every child who became homeless had to change schools? Certainly, for young people already considered at-risk, this prospect endangers one the most precious opportunities for a brighter future. Thanks to the network of lawyers at the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (NLCHP), however, homeless youth around the country have advocates working to protect their rights. NLCHP is the self-proclaimed "legal arm of the movement to end and prevent homelessness." Their work touches many critical issues affecting homeless people, such as protecting civil rights, accessing surplus federal resources, and holding government accountable.
8. The Homelessness Resource Center
Finding balance, talking to kids about homelessness, and eating meals on the fly are constant, nagging challenges faced by homeless service workers. The Homelessness Resource Center, a website of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, seeks to provide solutions to these and other dilemnas. While you may find some helpful information, this site is mainly a forum for and by those working to end homelessness.
The Urban Institute is a bipartisan, D.C.-based think tank that produces over 200 studies, reports, and evaluations each year. It's a great source for no-nonsense information about an array of issues, such as low-income housing, welfare reform, and rebuilding New Orleans. If you want explicit analysis that cuts through partisan politics, this is your source.
10. National Low Income Housing Coalition
To end homelessness, we must solve America's affordable housing crisis. The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) is committed to doing just that. It's cheap to join their network (just $3 for students!), and you'll receive weekly action, news, and policy updates. Even if you don't join, be sure to check out their state-by-state resources to get involved locally.
Shannon Moriarty
has worked in various homeless shelters and service organizations around the country. She is a graduate student studying housing and urban policy at Tufts University.
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