To advocate for social and economic justice
by holding systems accountable to carry out
their responsibilities to create humane policies
for responding to the needs of homeless people.
IN THEIR MEMORY
THESE FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS DIED IN 2011 WHILE LIVING ON
THE STREETS OF OUR CITY. WE LIST THEIR NAMES HERE TO
REMEMBER AND HONOR THEM, AND TO REMIND US THAT WE
MUST FIGHT FOR BETTER OPTIONS FOR OUR BROTHERS
AND SISTERS.
Brenda Pritchart
Carroll Woods
Donnie Hawley
Frank
Gary Costner
James Caesar
James Emmons
Jason Brooks
John McGhee
John Vannoy
Kenneth Vance
Kristine Godinez
Michael Bellinger
Michelle Finley-Bridges
Mike Patterson
Portia Day
Richard Green
Robert Hill
Rodney Morgan
Roger Byus
Sepricia Mobley Shannon
Steve Simmerman
Thomas Huffer
Velma Boatman
Video:Annual Interfaith Memorial Service, 2010
Advocating For Social Justice
The Coalition
Advocates for Social Justice by identifying
gaps within service provision. 'Holes" in the
system are brought to the attention of service
providers and umbrella organizations, and if
necessary, city and county officials. At times,
Coalition staff find temporary ways to address
immediate needs.
What can
we all do to help? Citizens can assist the
Coalition in advocating for more and better
services for those experiencing homelessness by
talking directly with or writing to officials,
including government representatives, and by
joining in advocacy efforts. Opportunities are
highlighted at monthly Coalition meetings.
Street Speech Newspaper
The development of “Street Speech” was a logical
outgrowth of the Coalition’s mission to advocate
for those experiencing homelessness and educate
the central Ohio community about homelessness.
It is a tool of empowerment and provides a voice
for those experiencing homelessness and their
advocates. These interests include access to
safe and affordable housing, employment, a
livable a wage, and quality health care and
community services. Street Speech is also a tool
to eradicate myths about homelessness and those
experiencing homelessness – e.g., stereotypes
that generalize those experiencing homelessness
as uneducated, lacking work ethic, “dirty,” or
as criminals. Contrary to common misconceptions,
children and families are the largest growing
group of homeless persons in the US. It is
Street Speech’s agenda to set the record
straight, tell facts as they are, and debunk
erroneous information. Finally, Street Speech is
also tool for underscoring gaps in services and
policies for those experiencing homelessness.
Articles expose (and at times resolve)
ineffective, unethical, and at times harmful
practices, in addition to highlighting “best
practice” approaches or promising policies that
can help bring individuals and families out of
homelessness.
Buy a copy ($1) each month
from one of our street Venders. You will be
supporting their initiative and learning about
their lives.
Hate Crimes against
Homeless Individuals Columbus Coalition for
the Homeless is actively working to reduce hate
crimes. We need your help. If you observe or
were the victim of an activity which you believe
is (or might be) a crime or an act of abuse or
mistreatment committed against someone who may
be homeless, please file a report with us.
A form for this report a can be
accessed by clicking
HERE. Thank you for your concern and help on
this important issue.