National Coalition for the Homeless, Inc.

NCH has long worked to educate the public about the causes of, and solutions to homelessness.  Through publishing factsheets and timely reports on emerging issues facing the homeless community, NCH has become a trusted source for information for national media sources including the New York Times, NPR and advocates and governments nationwide.  A key component of NCH’s Public Education Department is the Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau. Through each Speakers’ Bureau presentation, audiences becomes sensitized to the issues surrounding homelessness from the "real experts.” People who are homeless or formerly homeless share their stories of the realities of homelessness. The presentation offers the audience first hand knowledge of the injustices of not having a home in America. It breaks down stereotypes of who is homeless and what it means to be homeless and most importantly, the Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau continues to inspire audience members to become involved in the fight to end homelessness at it is known today. Since 1999, the Speakers’ Bureau has made over 5,000 presentations to more than 250,000 people from over 40 states. The Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau has seen great successes since its inception in 1996, including encouraging greater civic involvement of audience members, as well as empowering a strong group of homeless and formerly homeless advocates.

The mission of the National Coalition for the Homeless is to prevent and end homelessness while ensuring the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness are met and their civil rights protected.