The National Coalition for the Homeless is a network of people who have experienced or are currently experiencing homelessness, as well as advocates and activists, community and faith-based service providers, and other individuals and groups who are committed to the single mission of ending homelessness.

NCH’s history can be traced back to 1981 when founder Robert Hayes filed a lawsuit on behalf of a homeless man in New York City. The case was settled out of court and from then on, people suffering from homelessness were given the right to shelter in New York City. The Coalition for the Homeless in New York City was formed as one of the earliest community-based coalitions. As other local and statewide coalitions began to emerge, the National Coalition for the Homeless was born in 1982 and was incorporated in 1984. It was recognized as a not-for-profit organization under the 501(c)(3) internal revenue code in 1988, and as such, is tax-exempt.

Since the NCH was founded, many other United States cities began creating organizations with scope and focus similar to that of the coalition’s. These cities include San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, and Seattle, all of which are members of the national network. Meanwhile, the statewide coalitions include those in Colorado and Massachusetts, as well as other organizations that focus on servicing their respective regions. Commonly, the local factions of the coalition rely on volunteers who help with the programs that are developed to assist the homeless, and eventually, reduce the probability and risk of homelessness.

NCH is continually committed to creating the attitudinal and systemic changes needed in order to prevent and end homelessness. The organization works to meet the immediate and crucial needs of its beneficiaries. One of the coalition’s main guiding principles is to allow those who are experiencing homelessness participate in all aspects of their work. The group strives to empower communities and individuals to promote positive change while serving as the voice of the homeless at the same time.