LONG ISLAND COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS

About LICH:
The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless is a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Amityville, NY. Our mission is to eliminate homelessness on Long Island and improve the lives of Long Islanders who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Here is a brief description of the different programs and events the Coalition has:

The Boutique
The Boutique is a place for people who do not have much to come and pick out the clothes they need. We give the individual or family a coupon for a certain dollar amount. Then they are allowed to 'purchase' the items they need within that spending limit. The goal is to be able to provide everyone with opportunity to get the clothes and items they really need for their well-being.

The Veterans Community Garden
During our Garden Club meetings, members decide what to plat and grow while learning about various aspects of organic gardening. The Garden Club welcomes everyone who is interested in gardening to volunteer with us. The Community Garden program also incorporates the preparation of healthy meals made from organic ingredients. Members learn to cook and enjoy various new dishes.

Back Pack Pirates and Supply our Students Drive
The Supply Our Students Drive is hosted by the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless (LICH). Each year, we pack thousands of back packs with the school supplies we collect through this drive. The back packs are distributed through our network of homeless shelters in late August. Last summer, we distributed over 3000 back packs to kids in need on Long Island. With your help, we can distribute more back packs this year than ever before.

To kick off the distribution of school supplies we host the “Back Pack Pirates Summer Festival”, a one-day summer camp experience for up to 450 children from homeless shelters. In addition to an incredible camp experience and brand new back packs, we provide the children with new school clothing and shoes. We also collect bathing suits and towels so the kids attending the event can participate in water activities. Visit our website to watch the New 12 feature of Back Pack Pirates from 2015!

Street and Organizational Outreach
During street outreach we provide on the street services to Long Island's neighbors in need. Our trained teams provide crisis intervention and referrals. We give out kits with clothes, non-perishable foods, blankets and toiletries. We build relationships and create a trust between our team and a person in need. Outreach is not just working with individuals who are homeless. We work to create awareness through education and building connections in the community. A dedicated team of outreach workers go to local businesses to connect with business owners and provide information.