Ending Homelessness through Education and Advocacy

Why Should I Get Involved?
The Columbus Coalition for the Homeless believes in social and economic justice for all people. This includes the right to equal access to basic necessities such as: decent and affordable housing, clean, warm and appropriate clothing, a balanced diet, affordable healthcare, quality education, suitable employment, and a living wage. Those who roam the streets and fill the shelters each night are often denied these essential rights. Our society has the resources, and responsibility, to confront this injustice; however, the effectiveness of our response will be limited until there is a community-wide effort to end homelessness.

To identify injustice and speak out against it is to build a basis for a better society.  To share in our abundance with those less fortunate is to recognize inequality and endeavor to overcome it. To give freely of one’s time and energy working toward solutions is to take responsibility for a better tomorrow.

What can I do to Help?

Join the Coalition
By becoming a member of the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless you will be helping to advocate for those who are among the most vulnerable in our society. Also, becoming a member will allow you to educate yourself about the problem of homelessness and make informed decisions about how you will combat this injustice. Please fill out the form to the left and send an envelope to the address listed with a check for the appropriate amount of dues.

Give to the Coalition
To maintain our work toward ending homelessness the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless relies on contributions from the community. These investments come in the form of money to continue our education and advocacy programs, as well as goods necessary to survive out on the streets. These goods are collected in our Outreach Resource Center and distributed weekly by our Outreach Cluster.

Volunteer                                                                                     The Coalition is in need of volunteers in several administrative areas. Almost all of our work and activities are made possible only with help from volunteers.  Since we do not provide direct services, we suggest that those individuals interested in working one to one with homeless persons should contact our member organizations.  We also maintain a list of Directors of Volunteers at most of the agencies which provide services to homeless persons and we will refer you to those agencies based on your interest in particular populations, e.g. children, persons in shelters, persons in need of employment, etc.  If you would like to help us work on our mission by volunteering please click here and complete the Volunteer Application and return it to us.

The Coalition needs help in the following areas:

Fundraising:  Contacting corporations and individuals to develop viable methods of bring in dollars to operate the organization and support its programming.

Fiscal Management:  Working with our Treasurer to manage our Quick Books Accounting System, assuring compliance with proper fiscal procedures, including help in preparing the IRS 990, paying bills, etc.

Program Management:Managing day to day operations, volunteers, and the education program and/or chairing committees or events sponsored by the Coalition.

Marketing:  Promoting the Coalition and its events and programs to Columbus media outlets and potential donors.

Graphic Design:  Design of new brochures, newsletters, and posters needed for various events.

Street Speech: Writing, designing, editing, and illustrating tasks for the Coalition’s street newspaper. This includes conducting research and interviews

Our Committees and Events

Participation in the Continuum of Care
This committee serves as group which provides input, direction and technical expertise to the decision making process for HUD funded programs serving homeless persons. Composed of local community agency representatives who operate or hope to operate a HUD program, the group reviews both new and renewal proposals and submits their recommendations for funding to the Technical Review Committee. In addition, the group participates in the monitoring of HUD funded programs to assure that improvements are made, when programs fail to meet defined standards.

Forum Planning Team
This annual event, usually in the Fall, is the only regular community wide public conversation about homelessness in Central Ohio. If you would like to join us in planning the 2012 Forum, please contact the Coalition Office at 614-228-1342 or info@columbushomeless.org.

Marsha Donner Mother's Day Brunch Planning Team
The annual celebration of this special day is an event to which all homeless or recently homeless mothers and their families are invited. We host a large celebration for these special people. We serve a meal and provide mothers with gifts, all with the help of many volunteers and generous merchants. We invite community persons to join us in offering this party to these mothers and their families. If you would like to know more or volunteer to help just contact the Coalition Office at 614-228-1342 or info@columbushomeless.org.

Interfaith Memorial Service                                                      This event is held every year, on or near the longest night of the year, to honor and remember those who have passed away who were homeless or formerly homeless. The service is run by representatives from various faith backgrounds. It is concluded with a candle lighting ceremony to honor our friends.”