Our History – Old
Rebuilding lives through the elimination of homelessness
Our Beginning
The Coalition for the Homeless was created in 1979 by the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington through its Hunger Task Force. Originally formed as a coalition of service providers, the organization focused on full-time advocacy on issues of homelessness and poverty. It was officially incorporated on August 18, 1981.
Evolving Our Work
Since incorporation, the Coalition’s response to the needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness has evolved and expanded. Today, our work focuses on housing and direct services, with a mission to help transition homeless and at-risk individuals and families to self-sufficiency through supportive programs and services.
Today
The Coalition provides transitional housing, emergency housing, and permanent housing for men and families with children, supporting individuals and families as they work toward stability and self-sufficiency. We also operate and manage programs across the District of Columbia, including the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center, the District’s central intake office for families seeking emergency housing assistance and shelter.
Our Legacy
For more than four decades, the Coalition has worked to make Washington, DC a community that offers hope and opportunity for those experiencing homelessness. This progress has been made possible through a strong grassroots foundation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the individuals and families we serve.
Our work is also rooted in the vision of founding leaders, including the late Clark Lobenstine, along with the dedication of our Board of Directors (past and present), staff, volunteers, and—most importantly—the individuals and families who are the heart of our mission.
Today, the Coalition provides transitional housing, emergency housing, and permanent housing for men and families with children, supporting individuals and families as they work toward stability and self-sufficiency.
Today, the Coalition provides transitional housing, emergency housing, and permanent housing for men and families with children, supporting individuals and families as they work toward stability and self-sufficiency.
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