Causes: Homeless & Housing, Homeless Centers, Human Services

Mission: The Coalition for the Homeless is the lead advocate for the homeless in Louisville. Since we were founded in 1986 by community leaders, we’ve been working to prevent and end homelessness. Our job is to strategically evaluate the needs of the homeless and of our 29 member agencies, and to implement smart, long-term solutions.

Results: Thanks to many partners, we’ve changed the lives of thousands of Louisvillians. Our first collaborative Rx: Housing initiative cut the number of chronically homeless people on the streets by 50% between 2011 and 2014.Our new Bed One-Stop program allows homeless Louisvillians to reserve available emergency shelter beds across the city. It also created a centralized waiting list for homeless families. For this work, we received the Center for Nonprofit Excellence’s 2014 Pyramid Award for the Art of Innovation. In 2015, we and our partners launched Rx: Housing Veterans, which successfully found housing and resources for over 800 formerly homeless veterans in Louisville, bringing us to “functional zero” for veteran homelessness. In 2016, we will maintain an end for veteran homelessness while also pushing to end chronic homelessness.

Target demographics: homeless youth, families, veterans, and everyone who needs a safe place to call home

Geographic areas served: Louisville, Kentucky

Programs: Rx: Housing, which has reduced chronic homelessness by 50% and has reached "functional zero" for homeless veterans