Collaborative Systems Change

Provides capacity-building assistance to faith-based emergency shelters to improve their operational effectiveness and service delivery.

Engages residents and stakeholders in neighborhood planning efforts to improve infrastructure, reactivate underused buildings, and restore parks and open spaces, fostering more vibrant and active communities.

Renovates historic properties across the U.S. to generate federal and state historic tax credits and qualify for New Markets Tax Credits, converting them into housing and community spaces.

Leads the national Built for Zero initiative, supporting over 170 communities in implementing data-driven strategies to achieve measurable reductions in homelessness.

Creates and shares narratives through the storytelling project "Until we’re all home," amplifying voices of individuals involved in addressing homelessness to raise awareness and drive engagement.

Acts as a liaison between homeless individuals, service providers, and government agencies, including facilitating meetings with Department of Social Services officials to address systemic challenges.

Coordinates outreach efforts to improve access to housing and support services for people experiencing homelessness, including those living on the streets.

Facilitates collaboration among approximately 50 service provider agencies in Western New York to address homelessness through coordinated efforts and information sharing.

Operates an LGBTQ committee to promote safe and effective services for homeless LGBTQ individuals, addressing specific needs and improving service quality.

Convenes monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at 9:30am, held both in person at Neighborhood Legal Services in Buffalo, NY, and virtually via Zoom, to support ongoing coordination.

Manages a membership program with an annual cycle from April 1 to March 31, fostering sustained collaboration and participation in coalition activities.

Hosts an annual one-day, one-stop event providing a range of services to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, a program adopted in 2009 to improve access and coordination of care.

Plans and hosts a HOMELESS SERVICES Job Fair scheduled for May 18, 2026, in Buffalo, NY, to connect job seekers with employment opportunities in the homelessness services field.

Recognizes outstanding contributions to homelessness alleviation by presenting the Sister Jeanne Frank Award annually to an individual demonstrating advocacy, compassion, and commitment.

Served 1,439 individuals during the 2022–2023 Code Blue season who otherwise lacked shelter, offering critical emergency housing during periods of extreme weather.

Develops and delivers trainings for service providers and the public to improve understanding of homelessness and available resources, supporting more effective interventions.

Provides dinner meals every evening, preparing and distributing daily dinners made from donated and rescued food collected from local hotels, businesses, and restaurants, in collaboration with the Coalition for the Homeless.

Runs a client-choice food pantry where individuals can select fresh vegetables, fruits, proteins, dairy, and dry goods; pantry operations include weekly shelf stocking and food distribution, with regular distributions occurring every Thursday.