LONG ISLAND COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS

Mission

The mission of the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless (LICH) is to eliminate homelessness on Long Island and improve the lives of Long Islanders who are homeless or facing homelessness. We are the only agency on Long Island with this mission.

We coordinate the Continuum of Care, a network of organizations, local government, community groups and stakeholders serving the homeless. As lead, LICH coordinates an annual homeless count, establishes and implements initiatives to end homelessness for various target populations, and supports the development of permanent, affordable housing. LICH also provides direct services to homeless and at risk Long Islanders, including case management, housing/benefits assistance, street outreach engagement, an organic community garden for veterans, and distributes clothing, food, toiletries, baby and other essential items.

Each year we help almost 4,000 children with the Supply Our Students program, through which we distribute backpacks and school supplies. We also give 450 children a one day summer camp experience. The children who attend receive new back to school clothing and shoes, towels, bathing suits, and school supplies. Our chemical-free garden, run by and for veterans, provides social engagement opportunities and offers free, healthy produce to Long Islanders in need.

Through our programs, we reach over 10,000 Long Islanders in need. Recently LICH was recognized as one of the lead entities who helped effectively ended Veteran homelessness on Long Island. All of the programs at the LI Coalition aim to improve the lives of our neighbors-in-need with empowerment, dignity and respect.