Coalition for the Homeless Inc

The Coalition for the Homeless has provided shelter, transitional and permanent housing with supportive social services for 30 years.   On a daily basis, the Coalition serves 440 individuals and families at 12 program sites in the District of Columbia.  

Over the past decade, the Coalition has assisted 3,444  individuals and families to obtain permanent housing, 3,155 adults to find employment, and prevented 591 families with children from becoming homeless.

The following are only two of many success stories the Coalition has had over the years working with those who experience homelessness in their lives.

On August 2, 2010, a husband and wife went to the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center (VWFRC) to apply for emergency shelter for themselves and their two sons. In July 2010, the family had to vacate their home immediately when it was destroyed by a storm. The family tried to get help but was unsuccessful and ended up at Motel 6. Although Anthony was employed, money was dwindling and soon the family could no longer afford the motel costs. The couple tried again to get help with housing and eventually was referred to the VWFRC. The Caseworker at VWFRC called Red Cross and they were able to assist the family with the cost of staying in a motel until they could find permanent affordable housing. The husband soon became ill and was hospitalized. The Case Worker provided emotional support and assistance with helping the family navigate apartment leasing and inspection issues. On November 1, 2010, the family moved into a permanent home.

The husband was still hospitalized and in intensive care when the family moved into their new home. Through the wife's tears, she expressed her gratitude for VWFRC helping her through a very difficult time.  A mother in her mid-twenties lost her job in early 2008 when she was pregnant
with her second child. Her husband had lost his job a few months earlier. She could see that becoming homeless affected her daughter's performance in school. When her little girl started first grade, she was behind the other students. At the end of the school year, however, her family was housed at the Coalition's Valley Place Family Apartments. Her school performance improved, and she was
helping other children with their work. The mother earned her GED and then a medical assistant certificate. She is now taking online classes toward a college degree.

 

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