The National Coalition for the Homeless is a national network of people who are currently experiencing or who have experienced homelessness, activists, and advocates, community-based and faith-based service providers, and others committed to a single mission: To end and prevent homelessness while ensuring the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness are met and their civil rights are respected and protected.

We envision a world where everyone has a safe, decent, accessible and affordable home.

NCH affirms the following Guiding Principles/Values:

  1. We can end and prevent homelessness.
  2. People who are currently experiencing or have experienced homelessness must be leaders in all the work of NCH and in the movement to end homelessness.
  3. NCH believes in the dignity of all people: housing, healthy food, quality health care, education and livable incomes are basic human rights.
  4. It is morally, ethically, and legally wrong to discriminate against and criminalize people struggling to meet their basic needs.
  5. Public policy makers and elected officials at all levels must be held accountable to end the systemic and structural causes of homelessness.
  6. Structural racism and discrimination are root causes of homelessness and violates human dignity.
  7. Collaboration between NCH and its diverse stakeholders is critical in directing NCH’s work.

WHO WE ARE

Meet the people whose passion is to help end homelessness, and raise the quality of life for all persons in the US and beyond.

Tyler Richardson

Membership Coordinator Tyler Richardson Tyler Richardson is a bright and talented individual who has always made the most

Roderick W. Woodruff

LETA Program Manager Roderick W. Woodruff Roderick W. Woodruff, a seasoned professional with over five decades of business

Megan Hustings

Deputy Director Megan Hustings Megan came to NCH as an AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteer in 2006. After her year of

Kenia Mazariegos

Assistant Director of Communications Kenia Mazariegos Kenia Mazariegos, an adept professional and Assistant Director of Communications, is the

Kelvin Lassiter

Income Policy Analyst Kelvin Lassiter Kelvin was raised in a middle class family in the suburbs of Washington,

Francis Kalombo Ngoy

National Campaign Director and Director of Community Organizing Francis Kalombo Ngoy

Donald Whitehead

Donald Hugh Whitehead Jr. is recognized as a leading expert on homelessness...

Adaora Onuora

Deputy Director of BAHN Adaora Onuora Adaora is a policy professional with over 8 years of policy analyst,

MEET OUR BOARD

National Coalition for the Homeless’ governing board of directors is diverse in many ways, including race, ethnicity, geographic location, gender, and age. Members include service providers, academics, and organizers; at least one quarter of the board are men and women who are homeless/formerly homeless; all are advocates.

OFFICERS

Josh Spring, President
Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless
Cincinnati, OH

LaMont Green, Vice President
Seattle-King County Lived Experience Coalition
Tacoma, WA

Patrecia Williams, Secretary
Organization of Hope
Temple Hills, MD

Michael Reinke, Treasurer
Lowell House Inc
Lowell, Ma

MEMBERS AT LARGE

Barbara Anderson
Haven House Services
Jeffersonville, IN

Bob Bissen
National Head Start Association
Washington, DC

Cori Bush
Saint Louis, MO

Dr. Carmela Daniels, Vice Chair of Membership Committee
Dayton, OH

Max Donnelly, Vice Chair of Membership Committee
Philadelphia, PA

Bob Erlenbusch
Sacramento Regional Coalition to End Homelessness
Sacramento, CA

Valarie Dowell
Cincinnati, OH

Tiffany Duvernay-Smith
Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority
Los Angeles, CA

Dr. Catrina Grigsby-Thedford
Nevada Homeless Alliance

Darving Irizarry Cabrera
La Fondita DeJesus
San Juan, PR

Taiisa Kelly
Monarch Housing
Somerset, NJ

Marcella Middleton,
A Way Home America

Matthew Mollica
Ending Community Homelessness Coalition
Austin, TX

Joel John Roberts
PATH Ventures
Los Angeles, CA

Scott Shewell
Safe Harbour
Carlisle, PA

Pia Valvassori
Maitland, FL

Iffat M. Walker
Community Action NOW!
Conyers, GA

Robert Warren
People for Fairness Coalition
Washington, DC

Anton Washington
Creative Innovative
Kansas City, MO

Sue Watlov Phillips
Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing (MICAH)
Minneapolis, MN

FACES OF HOMELESSNESS Speaker’s Bureau

Experience the Unfiltered Truth: A Speakers Bureau by Those Who Have Lived It.

Changing the Narrative

For too long, the stories of homelessness have been told by everyone but those who have experienced it firsthand. At the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) Speakers Bureau, we change that narrative. This is more than a lecture series; it’s a powerful forum for the authentic voices of individuals who have navigated life on the streets, in shelters, or in transitional housing.

Courage and Resilience

Our speakers are not just advocates; they are resilient individuals who have overcome great personal risk and exposure to cruelty and the harsh elements. They are here to share their first-hand experiences, offering unfiltered insights and challenging misconceptions to bring to light the human realities behind the statistics. They exemplify the courage it takes to not only survive but to use their stories to inspire change.

A Transformative Experience

This is your opportunity to gain a profound, first-hand perspective. Engage with individuals who know what it feels like to face homelessness and hear how they have channeled that experience into powerful advocacy efforts.

Telling Our Stories for Advocacy and Change

The voices of our Faces of Homelessness speakers come from every corner of society, representing the profound and varied face of this crisis. They are brave individuals—a youth navigating family homelessness, an adult healing from childhood trauma, a person living with a mental health challenge, a senior facing eviction for the first time. Their stories are not just personal histories; they are a direct reflection of the many others in society who have experienced homelessness and those who continue to face housing insecurity today.

Each story is a powerful testament to the fact that homelessness does not discriminate. It is a universal struggle with deeply personal roots. When our speakers share their journey, they don’t just tell a story—they become catalysts for meaningful conversation and empathy, transforming perspectives and igniting a passion for advocacy.

Guest TESTIMONIALS

Harshitha T.

“The speakers at the National Coalition for the Homeless are incredibly engaging and inspiring. Their stories will move you and teach you more about homelessness– breaking down any stigmas or stereotypes. They welcome any and all questions in order to help you get a clear understanding of what homelessness actually is.”

Robyn L.

“I was moved by the speakers at the National Coalition of Homelessness as their stories prompted me to dispel my own stereotypes surrounding who experiences homelessness and why. Robert and Rachelle’s stories were engaging, powerful, and different from each other, reflecting that everyone has a different experience with homelessness. I appreciated their openness to answer our questions and passion to teach us about the work they do in the community.”

Valencia M.

“Don was a dynamic speaker sharing his journey from homelessness to housing on the closing day, setting the tone for what we do next to close the housing gap.”

Join us in our mission

Join us in our mission to change the narrative. If you’re ready to bring a first-hand understanding of homelessness to your group, reserve a speaker today and empower a community of change-makers.

OUR HISTORY

A Necessary Beginning

When modern homelessness first exploded in the late 1970s, hundreds of thousands of people experiencing homelessness were left to fend for themselves with little emergency assistance from governments and communities. The roots of the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) were planted in 1981 when the founder, Robert Hayes, courageously filed a lawsuit on behalf of a man experiencing homelessness in New York City. That landmark legal action was settled out of court, and people experiencing homelessness won the right to shelter in New York City.

Forging a Movement

In the face of profound government neglect, our founders took matters into their own hands and forged the Coalition for the Homeless in New York City—one of the earliest, most powerful community-based coalitions. With this momentum, and the development of other local and statewide groups, the National Coalition for the Homeless was officially formed in 1982 (and formally incorporated in 1984). For four decades, NCH has been a resolute leader on the forefront of emerging issues relating to poverty and homelessness.

NRDC

Manhattan, New York - JUNE 6, 2018: Johnson Houses in East Harlem New York. Shaly has been dealing with intense mold in her kids closet and their bathroom. NYCHA Workers came in and cut a hole removing mold but left an open hole and leaking pipe. (Demetrius Freeman for NRDC)

Creating Lasting Change

Throughout NCH’s history, our homeless-led advocacy has been essential in creating lasting, local solutions to the national problem of homelessness. We have tirelessly championed addressing the root causes of homelessness, including the lack of affordable housing, through decisive policy advocacy, grassroots organizing, and public education. This work has been critical in dispelling negative stereotypes and preserving the civil rights of people experiencing homelessness.

The NCH Legacy of Firsts

The National Coalition for the Homeless was the first national advocacy organization to:

  • Elevate homeless and formerly homeless people into leadership positions.
  • Build a national movement to end homelessness led by people who have been unhoused.
  • Address the educational needs and rights of homeless children.
  • Tackle Veteran homelessness and housing insecurity as a national priority.
  • Convene the first national homelessness conference.

In addition, NCH staff has been instrumental in drafting and shaping landmark federal, state, and local legislation, including:

Houseing Now Rally, 1989

Housing Now protesters rally in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC.

Timeline of US Housing Policy 1929-1970

timeline of US Housing Policy 1929-1945
Timeline of US Housing Policy in the US 1945-1970

Financials

The majority of funding for NCH programs comes from the support of individuals, foundations, and member organizations. Find reviews and 3rd Party charity reports on GreatNonprofits.org or Guidestar.org, by searching for the National Coalition for the Homeless. NCH is a 501 (c)(3) designated non-profit organization, click to view our IRS 501c3 Determination Letter. Contributions to NCH are tax exempt to the fullest extent allowed by law. Federal Tax ID# 52-1517415. NCH’s CFC number is 10844. Full audited information, as well as annual IRS Form 990 submissions, are available upon request.

NCH is also compliant with state attorneys’ general requirements for charitable solicitation. Certain states require written disclosures for nonprofit organizations soliciting contributions.

Individual state disclosures are below:

 

A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state of FL, 1-800-435-7352 (800-HELP-FLA), or by visiting www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. Florida Registration #CH2970

A full and fair description of our programs and our financial statement summary is available upon request at our office and phone number indicated above.

For the cost of copies and postage, from the Office of the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401.

The official registration and financial information of National Coalition for the Homeless Inc. may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement.

Information filed with the Attorney General concerning this charitable solicitation and the percentage of contributions received by the charity during the last reporting period that were dedicated to the charitable purpose may be obtained from the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey by calling (973) 504-6215 and is available on the internet at www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/charfrm.htm. Registration with the Attorney General does not imply endorsement.

Upon request, from the Attorney General’s Charities Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005, 1-212-416-8686 or www.charitiesnys.com.

Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-919-814-5400. The license is not an endorsement by the state.

The official registration and financial information of National Coalition for the Homeless Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999.

From the State Office of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218.

From the Secretary of State at 1-800-332-4483 or http://www.sos.wa.gov/charities/

West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305.

A financial statement of the charitable organization disclosing assets, liabilities, fund balances, revenue and expenses for the preceding fiscal year will be provided to any person upon request.

Careers

Browse our positions below. To apply, fill out the form on this page below and reference the job title in the “Tell Us About You” field.

WASHINGTON D.C. STAFF:

Check back here for future opportunities, or follow us on LinkedIn.

Job Title: Director of Community Organizing
Reports to: Executive Director
Hours: Full Time 40 hrs. per week, Flex schedule some evenings or weekends required
To apply: Send a resume or background information containing your complete work history and a cover letter referencing this position by e-mail to careers @ nationalhomeless.org.

Position Description: 
We seek a seasoned leader and organizer with solid references interested in growing the credible powerhouse for organizing, member engagement, and mobilization. The ideal candidate should have at least membership and organizing experience. The Director of Community Organizing will focus on the following areas:

  • Outreach to national and field allies to develop new organizing models for achieving local victories
  • Outreach to targeted cities to build regional coalitions that support local and national organizing efforts for NCH’s anti-criminalization and the Civil Rights Initiatives.
  • Promote and Encourage Grassroots Organizing led by people with lived experience and expertise.
  • Build support for NCH policy and national positions among local Coalitions.
  • Schedule meetings with administration officials in Justice, HHS, HUD, the Interagency Council, and FEMA to push the Civil Rights agenda
  • Represent NCH with other national groups on civil rights, voting, and protections against hate crime issues.

Qualifications:

  • A demonstrated commitment to social justice, robust analysis of systemic oppression based on race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity, and an understanding of challenges facing people experiencing homelessness, immigrant communities, communities of color, and low-and moderate-income families.
  • Excellent organizational skills and good attention to detail. A high level of self-motivation and a proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
  • Ability to work well with diverse groups and populations.
  • Dedication and ability to work flexible hours.
  • Capacity to engage and inspire a variety of audiences.
  • Willingness to travel within the United States.

Compensation: This position pays $65,000 per year and is a full time position with a robust benefit package that includes 2+ weeks a year of vacation and holidays, sick leave, 403b retirement plan, an employee assistance plan, and Health, Vision, Dental, Life and Disability Insurance.

About NCH:  The National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) is a national advocacy network of people who have experienced homelessness, activists, service providers and others. We envision a world where everyone has a safe, decent, accessible and affordable home. Our mission is to end and prevent homelessness while ensuring the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness are met and their civil rights are respected and protected.

NCH affirms the following Guiding Principles/Values:  

  1. We can end and prevent homelessness.
  2. People who are currently experiencing or have experienced homelessness must be leaders in all the work of NCH and in the movement to end homelessness.
  3. NCH believes in the dignity of all people:  housing, healthy food, quality health care, education and livable incomes as basic human rights. 
  4. It is morally, ethically, and legally wrong to discriminate against and criminalize people struggling to meet their basic needs. 
  5. Public policy makers and elected officials at all levels must be held accountable to end the systemic and structural causes of homelessness. 
  6. Structural racism and discrimination are root causes of homelessness and violate human dignity.
  7. Collaboration between NCH and its diverse stakeholders is critical in directing NCH’s work.

Job Title: Senior Policy Analyst
Reports to: Executive Director
Hours: Full Time 40 hrs. per week, Flex schedule some evenings or weekends required
To apply: Send a resume or background information containing your complete work history and a cover letter referencing this position by e-mail to careers @ nationalhomeless.org.

Position Description:
The National Coalition for the Homeless seeks a self-motivated, outgoing Senior Policy Analyst. This individual will work closely with the Executive Director and the Policy Team in moving the organization’s agenda forward to advance the legislative, public policy goals and objectives of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

  • Research and monitor local, state, and federal policies regarding justice in housing as well as the income of people experiencing homelessness.
  • Draft updates, newsletters, policy statements, factsheets, and reports for staff, board, website, and members.
  • Support the Executive Director with national-level activities related to housing policy, including issue research, meeting coordination, and legislative advocacy.
  • Develop organizing strategies aimed at winning local resources as well as building support for national level demands.
  • Contribute articles and position papers to the website and monthly newsletter.
  • Act as principal NCH researcher in the design and drafting of issue reports.
  • Assist with engaging and managing interns.
  • Represent NCH at meetings of national partner organizations.
  • Assist with outreach to Board members and local grassroots partners.

Qualifications

  • Strong research and data analysis background
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and incorporate digital social media platform 
  • Demonstrate ability to work with people from different backgrounds
  • Be knowledgeable in policy; strategizing policy; and grant writing. 
  • Strong leadership and managerial skills
  • Lobbying experience preferred.

Core Competency Requirements

  • Collegiate and Collaborative
  • Detail-oriented
  • Compassionate
  • Has a high level of integrity and curiosity

Compensation:
This position pays $55,000 per year and is a full time position with a robust benefit package that includes 2+ weeks a year of vacation and holidays, sick leave, 403b retirement plan, an employee assistance plan, and Health, Vision, Dental, Life and Disability Insurance.

About NCH:  The National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) is a national advocacy network of people who have experienced homelessness, activists, service providers and others. We envision a world where everyone has a safe, decent, accessible and affordable home. Our mission is to end and prevent homelessness while ensuring the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness are met and their civil rights are respected and protected.

NCH affirms the following Guiding Principles/Values:  

  1. We can end and prevent homelessness.
  2. People who are currently experiencing or have experienced homelessness must be leaders in all the work of NCH and in the movement to end homelessness.
  3. NCH believes in the dignity of all people:  housing, healthy food, quality health care, education and livable incomes as basic human rights. 
  4. It is morally, ethically, and legally wrong to discriminate against and criminalize people struggling to meet their basic needs. 
  5. Public policy makers and elected officials at all levels must be held accountable to end the systemic and structural causes of homelessness. 
  6. Structural racism and discrimination are root causes of homelessness and violate human dignity.
  7. Collaboration between NCH and its diverse stakeholders is critical in directing NCH’s work.

Job Title: Education and Outreach Specialist
Reports to: Director of Education
Hours: Full Time 40 hrs. per week, Flex schedule some evenings or weekends required
To apply: Send a resume or background information containing your complete work history and a cover letter referencing this position by e-mail to careers @ nationalhomeless.org.

Job Description:
The Education and Outreach Specialist is responsible for overseeing the activities necessary to support the advocacy, public education, research, and other efforts of NCH. With a small staff, teamwork is a vital component of NCH: while each staff person has defined responsibilities, the willingness of all to “pitch in” when needed is essential to carrying out the mission of the organization. The Education and Outreach Specialist position is full-time, preferred location is based in our Washington, DC national headquarters. Location can be flexible as much of the work can be completed remotely.  

Duties:

  • Manages and supports flow of work to support NCH educational outreach objectives.
  • Assures that NCH info inbox inquiries are answered or redirected in a timely and professional manner. 
  • Responds to requests for information or assistance. 
  • Analyzes data and creates reports on incoming requests. 
  • Helps to maintain digital systems and filing. 
  • Assists program staff with scheduling and other arrangements for special meetings or projects.
  • Other tasks may be assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Any combination of education and/or experience, which reflects the development of the skills necessary to carry out the tasks listed above. 
  • Must be familiar with the homeless services sector and systems.
  • Strong, proven management and customer service skills.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and use of general computer systems, Microsoft Office programs, database management, and internet usage.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a collegial atmosphere with philosophically, racially, and economically diverse groups and individuals. 
  • Lived experience of homelessness considered in equivalence with education or job experience. 

Compensation:
This position pays $50,000 per year and is a full time position with a robust benefit package that includes 2+ weeks a year of vacation and holidays, sick leave, 403b retirement plan, an employee assistance plan, and Health, Vision, Dental, Life and Disability Insurance.

About NCH:  The National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) is a national advocacy network of people who have experienced homelessness, activists, service providers and others. We envision a world where everyone has a safe, decent, accessible and affordable home. Our mission is to end and prevent homelessness while ensuring the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness are met and their civil rights are respected and protected.

NCH affirms the following Guiding Principles/Values:  

  1. We can end and prevent homelessness.
  2. People who are currently experiencing or have experienced homelessness must be leaders in all the work of NCH and in the movement to end homelessness.
  3. NCH believes in the dignity of all people:  housing, healthy food, quality health care, education and livable incomes as basic human rights. 
  4. It is morally, ethically, and legally wrong to discriminate against and criminalize people struggling to meet their basic needs. 
  5. Public policy makers and elected officials at all levels must be held accountable to end the systemic and structural causes of homelessness. 
  6. Structural racism and discrimination are root causes of homelessness and violate human dignity.
  7. Collaboration between NCH and its diverse stakeholders is critical in directing NCH’s work.

INTERNSHIPS:

NCH is accepting applications for the following unpaid internships on an ongoing basis. All work is currently be done remotely due to pandemic restrictions. To apply, email your resume, dates of availability, and a letter of interest to bdavis at nationalhomeless.org.

Date: Fall 2023 (September to December 2023)
Reporting to: Donald Whitehead, Executive Director of NCH
*This is a non-compensated internship unless your college/university is offering fellowship assistance.

How to Respond: Please send a resume or background information including the school you are enrolled in and a cover letter explaining why you would like to join the NCH team as well as if you will be receiving course credit for this internship. Please send your information to dwhitehead at nationalhomeless dot org.

Internship Summary: The NCH Racial Equity Intern will be a hybrid position with some time in person as well as remote work. This individual will participate in the Homeless Racial Equity workgroup to implement the goals of reducing discrimination and injustice within the housing and homeless system. The intern will work to encourage other civil rights organizations to adopt homelessness in their own advocacy. They will assist with outreach to advocates throughout the United States to encourage diversity in leadership and board appointments to include more people who have experienced homelessness in leadership. They will do outreach to graduates of the lived experience training academy to encourage their continued partnership in building power in the local community and submitting videos for our social media campaign focusing on equity issues. The intern will assist with updating a literature reference guide to supplement a racial equity curriculum with a focus on successful equity projects in the local community. The Racial Equity intern will work with advocates from across the United States to implement policy changes to reduce inequality. This intern will work to set up meetings with key policy makers to forward NCH policy objectives. The intern will help assure that equity issues are a part of the summer outreach and fall leadership conference. Finally, the intern will work to highlight inequality and discriminatory policies that act as a block to stable housing in the local community.

Specific Position Activities:

  • Attend weekly meetings with staff and national committee around homeless racial equity work.
  • Collect news stories from around the county about discrimination and racial inequality.
  • Contribute articles to the monthly newsletters, social media and website on discriminatory policies and the disproportionate impact on ethnic minority populations in the United States.
  • Gather information for a reports on the struggle for racial equity.
  • Track local/state/federal legislation related to homelessness and poverty.
  • Highlight past champions of racial equity and how they relate to homelessness.
  • Track anti-racist policies and equity plans in various jurisdictions in the United States
  • Update manuals to be used by community leaders in the area of anti-bias training materials.
  • Assist with the the fall leadership conference where needed.

Required Skills and Experience:

  • Ability to juggle multiple projects
  • Superior research and written communication skills
  • Working in a diverse setting with all kinds of people
  • Ability to seek input from those with previous experience with homelessness
  • Ability to work remotely and without daily supervision
  • Ability to research news and interview individuals

Preferred Experience or Skills that will be developed as part of the internship:

  • Direct service with homeless/low income populations
  • Experience in writing promotional materials
  • Experience in event planning
  • Experience in digital and social media writing.

Date: Fall 2023 (September to December 2023)
Reporting to: Adaora Onuora—Housing Policy Analyst  
*This is a non-compensated internship unless your college/university is offering fellowship assistance.

How to Respond: Please send a resume or background information including the school you are enrolled in and a cover letter explaining why you would like to join the NCH team as well as if you will be receiving course credit for this internship. Please send your information to aonuora at nationalhomeless dot org.

Internship Summary:  The NCH Policy Intern will be able to work on hybrid schedule of some in person and some remote work.  We have the ability for this to be an all remote workspace.  This individual will participate in the every other week policy workgroup to implement the goals of crafting legislation that will have an impact in ending homelessness. The intern will assist with an advocacy effort to interview staff, board or members with an interest in putting together strong policy legislation in the areas of racial equity, civil rights, income, housing, education or healthcare. NCH will focus on preparing legislative briefings to support high priority pieces of legislation.  The policy intern will attempt to merge the policy objectives of the organization with those of the Bring America Home Now campaign to develop a comprehensive list of policy priorities.

The policy intern will track updates on various pieces of legislation and will assist to inform the field on legislative successes or setbacks.  This intern will work to build partners in our field sites, and work to get that message out to elected officials, community leaders and the general public about our policy goals. They will assist in developing support among grassroots leaders and their organizations.  Finally, the intern will work to track and report on contacts with legislators on these high priority policy areas and will assist with scheduling petitions, calls, or visits.

Specific Position Activities:

  • Attend weekly meetings with staff and monthly committee meetings around policy improvements.
  • Keep legislative contacts updated and available to the policy team.
  • Contribute articles to the weekly newsletter, social media and website on our NCH policy objectives.
  • Gather information for a yearly reports on policy successes.
  • Track local/state/federal legislation related to homelessness and poverty.
  • Gather statistics and first person accounts that can be used to reinforce the need for certain policy objectives
  • Update internal documents that track the process of creating and publishing a policy update for use in our advocacy.

Required Skills and Experience:

  • Ability to juggle multiple projects
  • Superior research and written communication skills
  • Working in a diverse setting with all kinds of people
  • Ability to work remotely and without daily supervision
  • Ability to research news and interview individuals

Preferred Experience or Skills that will be developed as part of the internship:

  • Direct service with homeless/low income populations
  • Experience in writing promotional materials
  • Experience in event planning
  • Experience in digital and social media writing.

Mission Statement:  The National Coalition for the Homeless, founded in 1982, is a national network of people who are currently experiencing homelessness or who were once homeless, activists and advocates, community and faith-based homeless service providers, and others committed to a single mission.  That mission, our common bond, is to end homelessness. We are committed to creating the systemic and attitudinal changes necessary to prevent and end homelessness. At the same time, we work to meet the immediate needs of people who are either currently homeless or at risk of homelessness.  We take as our first principle of practice that people who are currently experiencing homelessness or have formerly experienced homelessness must be actively involved in all of our work.

Organizational Goals:   The National Coalition for the Homeless remains a substantive voice in the federal legislative process for people who are experiencing homelessness.  In our policy advocacy, we work diligently to ensure that mainstream resources and opportunities are available to families and individuals who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness. To end homelessness in the U.S., we use the following strategies to accomplish our mission:  lobbying, policy analysis, litigation, public education, community organizing, research and technical assistance.

Date: Fall 2023 (September to December 2023)
Reporting to: Kelvin Lassiter—Income Policy Analyst 
*This is a non-compensated internship unless your college/university is offering fellowship assistance.

How to Respond: Please send a resume or background information including the school you are enrolled in and a cover letter explaining why you would like to join the NCH team as well as if you will be receiving course credit for this internship. Please send your information to klassiter at nationalhomeless dot org.

Internship Summary: The NCH Policy Intern will be able to work on a hybrid schedule of some in person and some remote work.  We have the ability for this to be an all remote workspace.  This individual will participate in the every other week policy workgroup to implement the goals of crafting legislation that will have an impact in ending homelessness. The intern will assist with an advocacy effort to interview staff, board or members with an interest in putting together strong policy legislation in the areas of racial equity, civil rights, income, housing, education or healthcare. NCH will focus on preparing legislative briefings to support high priority pieces of legislation.

The intern will track updates on various pieces of legislation and will assist to inform the field on legislative successes or setbacks. This intern will work to build partners in our field sites, and work to get that message out to elected officials, community leaders and the general public about our policy goals. They will assist in developing support among grassroots leaders and their organizations. Finally, the intern will work to track and report on contacts with legislators on these high priority policy areas and will assist with scheduling petitions, calls, or visits.

Specific Position Activities:

  • Attend weekly meetings with staff and monthly committee meetings around policy improvements.
  • Keep legislative contacts updated and available to the policy team.
  • Contribute articles to the weekly newsletter, social media and website on our NCH policy objectives.
  • Gather information for a yearly reports on policy successes.
  • Track local/state/federal legislation related to homelessness and poverty.
  • Gather statistics and first person accounts that can be used to reinforce the need for certain policy objectives.
  • Update internal documents that track the process of creating and publishing a policy update for use in our advocacy.

Required Skills and Experience:

  • Ability to juggle multiple projects
  • Superior research and written communication skills
  • Working in a diverse setting with all kinds of people
  • Ability to work remotely and without daily supervision
  • Ability to research news and interview individuals

Preferred Experience or Skills that will be developed as part of the internship:

  • Direct service with homeless/low income populations
  • Experience in writing promotional materials
  • Experience in event planning
  • Experience in digital and social media writing.

Mission Statement:  The National Coalition for the Homeless, founded in 1982, is a national network of people who are currently experiencing homelessness or who were once homeless, activists and advocates, community and faith-based homeless service providers, and others committed to a single mission.  That mission, our common bond, is to end homelessness. We are committed to creating the systemic and attitudinal changes necessary to prevent and end homelessness. At the same time, we work to meet the immediate needs of people who are either currently homeless or at risk of homelessness.  We take as our first principle of practice that people who are currently experiencing homelessness or have formerly experienced homelessness must be actively involved in all of our work.

Organizational Goals:   The National Coalition for the Homeless remains a substantive voice in the federal legislative process for people who are experiencing homelessness.  In our policy advocacy, we work diligently to ensure that mainstream resources and opportunities are available to families and individuals who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness. To end homelessness in the U.S., we use the following strategies to accomplish our mission:  lobbying, policy analysis, litigation, public education, community organizing, research and technical assistance.

Date: Fall Semester 2023 (September to December 2023)
Reporting to: Kenia Mazariegos, Assistant Director of Communications
*This is a non-compensated internship unless your college/university is offering course credit for your internship.

Internship Summary:  The Digital Organizing Intern spans the work of the fundraising and communications departments to ensure coordinated and effective organizing and education through social media. Staff is currently working remotely, but office space is available for those requesting to work in the offices of the National Coalition for the Homeless in Washington DC. 

This individual will work to further the goals of the Coalition as well as the comprehensive campaign to end homelessness called Bring America Home Now. They will work extensively in Network for Good and WordPress content management systems, as well as in Canva or other designated graphic design software. The intern will work with the communication’s team to get the views and positions of NCH out in the media and especially on social media, as well as promoting fundraising and programmatic events. They will assist in working to find additional avenues for promoting the work of the Coalition. Finally, the Digital Organizing Intern will work to implement the communications plan staff have initiated. 

Specific Position Activities:

  • Attend weekly meetings with staff to keep updated on the work of the agency
  • Draft and post social media content, including images, infographics or videos
  • Solicit staff for their input on social and newsletter content
  • Assist with development of new website, adding/editing content via WordPress
  • Manage, research and update Donor records
  • Develop reports from Donor Database, website and social media
  • Monitor and make posts to social media pages

Required Skills and Experience:

  • Ability to juggle multiple projects
  • Ability to work remotely and without daily supervision
  • Keen attention to detail, basic understanding of database structure (Excel or similar)
  • Knowledge and aptitude with web and graphic design (WordPress, Canva)
  • Ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds
  • Experience using digital and social media for business
  • Personal experience with homelessness, or other work with the population of people who have been unhoused is a plus, but not required

Skills to be Obtained:

  • Detailed knowledge of donor database structure
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, and/or Access
  • Understanding of communication in the modern digital environment
  • Experience with fundraising for nonprofit activity
  • Reporting and analyzing raw data

Application Process: Please send a resume or background information including the school you are enrolled in and a cover letter explaining why you would like to join the NCH team as well as if you will be receiving course credit for this internship. Please respond via email to kmazariegos (at) nationalhomeless.org.

Mission Statement:  The National Coalition for the Homeless, founded in 1982, is a national network of people who are currently experiencing homelessness or who were once homeless, activists and advocates, community and faith-based homeless service providers, and others committed to a single mission.  That mission, our common bond, is to end homelessness. We are committed to creating the systemic and attitudinal changes necessary to prevent and end homelessness. At the same time, we work to meet the immediate needs of people who are either currently homeless or at risk of homelessness.  We take as our first principle of practice that people who are currently experiencing homelessness or have formerly experienced homelessness must be actively involved in all of our work.

Organizational Goals:   The National Coalition for the Homeless remains a substantive voice in the federal legislative process for people who are experiencing homelessness.  In our policy advocacy, we work diligently to ensure that mainstream resources and opportunities are available to families and individuals who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness. To end homelessness in the U.S., we use the following strategies to accomplish our mission:  lobbying, policy analysis, litigation, public education, community organizing, research and technical assistance.

Date: Fall 2023 (September to December 2023)
Reporting to: DeBorah Gilbert White, Director of Education
*This is a non-compensated internship unless your college/university is offering fellowship assistance.

How to Respond: Please send a resume or background information including the school you are enrolled in and a cover letter explaining why you would like to join the NCH team as well as if you will be receiving course credit for this internship. Please send your information to dgilbertwhite at nationalhomeless dot org.

Internship Position Summary: The Homeless Speaker’s Bureau Intern can work remotely or some hours in the office at the National Coalition for the Homeless in Washington DC. This individual will work with the formerly homeless individuals who are a part of the Faces of Homelessness panel of speakers to implement the goals of dispelling myths about homelessness and better educating students and voters about the realities of living without housing in the United States. This position supports the Speaker’s Bureau director’s strategic plan in the development and maintenance of the NCH national speaker’s network, and the policy and advocacy work of the organization. Duties include identifying and connecting with institutions, organizations and groups across the U.S. to develop speaking opportunities for Faces of Homelessness Speaker’s Bureau members. 

The intern will assist with the development of Speaker’s Bureau materials and resources. The Speaker’s Bureau intern will assist with marketing the program and increase its visibility on social media platforms. The intern will assist in outreach to other speaker’s bureaus in the United States and work to recruit additional speakers. The intern will assist with updating the manual for starting a speaker’s bureau to include public speaking tips and information about working with very low income and those without housing. The Speaker’s Bureau intern will help to market the program and increase its visibility in social media. They will assist in working to find additional venues for the speakers to educate the public. Finally, the intern will work with the coordinator to document the success of the engagements with follow up tools and resources.

Specific Position Activities:

  • Attend weekly meetings with staff to stay current on the work of the organization.
  • Contribute social media posts or videos by lifting up the work of the speakers to advertise the program both locally and nationally.
  • Gather information from the people who receive a presentation to improve the talks and show the impact on the overall understanding of homelessness.
  • Connect with institutions, groups, and organizations to increase speaking opportunities and Speaker’s Bureau visibility.
  • Assist with the development of materials and resources to support the speaker’s bureau network.
  • Conduct outreach to other speaker’s programs in the United States and work to form a network of homeless speaker’s bureaus.
  • Assist with the creation and development of a manual for starting speaker’s bureaus in parts of the country that do not have a local program.

Required Skills:

  • superior research and written communication skills.
  • good interpersonal skills.
  • work in a diverse setting with all kinds of people
  • ability to work remotely and without daily supervision
  • ability to research programs and interview individuals
  • ability to work with those who have overcome the trauma of homelessness.

Preferred Experiences:

  • Direct service with homeless/low income populations
  • Experience in public/community relations or marketing
  • Experience with various social media platforms.

Mission Statement: The National Coalition for the Homeless, founded in 1982, is a national network of people who are currently experiencing homelessness or who were once homeless, activists and advocates, community and faith-based homeless service providers, and others committed to a single mission. That mission, our common bond, is to end homelessness. We are committed to creating the systemic and attitudinal changes necessary to prevent and end homelessness. At the same time, we work to meet the immediate needs of people who are either currently homeless or at risk of homelessness. We take as our first principle of practice that people who are currently experiencing homelessness or have formerly experienced homelessness must be actively involved in all of our work.

Organizational Goals: The National Coalition for the Homeless remains a substantive voice in the federal legislative process for people who are experiencing homelessness. In our policy advocacy, we work diligently to ensure that mainstream resources and opportunities are available to families and individuals who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness. To end homelessness in the U.S., we use the following strategies to accomplish our mission: lobbying, policy analysis, litigation, public education, community organizing, research and technical assistance.

Overview of Campaign: The National Coalition for the Homeless is spearheading the launch of Bring America Home Now: A Comprehensive Grassroots Campaign to End Homelessness in the U.S. Led by people who have themselves experienced homelessness, we will focus on the passage of federal legislation aimed at addressing the interconnected solutions to the decades-long epidemic of homelessness in the United States. The campaign focuses on 6 major policy areas: Housing, Health, Livable Incomes, Education/Training, Civil Rights, and Racial Equity.

Report Date: Fall Semester 2023 (September to December 2023)

Supervisor: Francis Kalombo Ngoy, Interim Campaign Director for Bring America Home Now Campaign

Internship Position Summary: The Innovative Intern will have the ability to work remotely. This individual will work to further the goals of the Bring America Home Now Campaign. The intern will assist with outreach efforts to potential and current partners of the campaign. The intern will assist hosting events around the Bring America Home campaign in order to push policy changes to benefit those without housing. The innovative intern will occasionally work with the communications team to promote awareness around the campaign. The Innovative intern will help to coordinate all staff involvement in public events hosted by the campaign. They will assist in working to find additional avenues for promoting the work of the campaign and will work to put together a youth support network for the campaign. The intern will work with the administrator to document the success of the engagements with follow up tools and resources. Ultimately, they will exemplify interest and passion to help cease all homelessness in America through their work. Bring America Homes Now Campaign seeks an individual that not only has a great work ethic but a personality to match.

Specific Position Activities:

  • This individual will participate in and attend all assigned campaign meetings.
  • Manage the policy tracker and keep the team up to date on all legislation movements pertaining to hunger and housing.
  • Assist the national Deputy Campaign Director and the Administrator in outreach, communication, and recruitment efforts to attract new partners to the campaign.
  • Provide insightful input that can be implemented to help the campaign reach its goal of 7,000 partners especially among college and high school students.
  • Assist the Administrator in updating the Bring America Home Facebook and Website.
  • Execute any and all other task assigned by the national Deputy Campaign Director

Required Skills:

  • Superior research skills
  • Working in a diverse and inclusive environment
  • Ability to work remotely and without daily supervision
  • Ability to create policy memos and read through debriefs
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Experiences:

  • Direct service with homeless/low income populations
  • Recruitment of agencies and organizations to participate.
  • Experience in writing high-level research papers
  • Experience in digital and social media writing.

Application Process: All Responses should be submitted by

  • Email to fkalombongoy@nationalhomeless.org
  • Email Subject should state “Bring America Home Now: Innovative Intern Application.”
  • Provide a cover letter and a resume or background information. No more than four total pages.
  • Please include the University/College you are currently enrolled in.
  • Optional: Disclose whether you will be receiving course credit for this internship

Bring America Home Now Campaign Francis Kalombo Ngoy Ph. (516) 417-7972

Email: fkalombongoy@nationalhomeless.org Website: https://www.bringamericahomenow.org/

This is a non-compensated internship unless your college/university is offering course credit.

contact NCH

For all Media inquiries, please fill out our Contact Form, below. All other inquiries may be directed to dwhitehead@nationalhomeless.org