Coalition for the Homeless, founded in 1981, is the oldest advocacy and direct service organization helping homeless individuals and families in New York City. It was established in response to a landmark right-to-shelter lawsuit, Callahan v. Carey, which guaranteed the legal right to shelter for homeless individuals in New York City. The organization operates through three main programs: advocacy, direct service, and housing. Their advocacy work includes research, litigation, and public education to influence policy decisions affecting homeless New Yorkers. The Coalition publishes the annual “State of the Homeless” report, which has become a crucial resource for policymakers and researchers. Their direct service programs include the Grand Central Food Program, which provides meals to approximately 1,000 homeless individuals every night, and the Crisis Intervention Program, which helps individuals and families access emergency shelter and essential resources. The organization also operates a youth program called First Step, which helps homeless women gain job skills and find employment. The Coalition maintains a housing program that includes both emergency and permanent housing solutions. They operate a mobile outreach program and work closely with city agencies and other non-profits to address homelessness in New York City. The organization is supported through private donations, government grants, and foundation funding.