The Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness (VCEH) aims to transform the way the Commonwealth of Virginia responds to homelessness. Improving prevention and ending homelessness is a reality, and to accomplish this real goal, we need you to join us in this endeavor.

Since its founding in 1986 by Sue Capers, VCEH has enjoyed a rich and fruitful history.  Our work in Richmond with the General Assembly created critical homeless assistance and prevention programs which brought you over $12 million in funding in 2007.  The State Shelter Grant (SSG), the Homeless Intervention Program (HIP), and the Child Services Coordinator Grant (CSCG) were all created by VCEH advocacy efforts and fueled by your membership.

Your membership with VCEH will enable us to go further to help you in your local work to end homelessness.  We are all facing new challenges and together we can address them.  Together we can take advantage of new federal dollars targeted to homeless individuals and families coming soon to Virginia with the recent passage of the National Housing Trust Fund, raise attention to the effect of the foreclosure crisis on homelessness, and create more resources for housing despite a state budget deficit.

It is a critical time and VCEH is rejuvenating our efforts to prevent and end homelessness. We have hired our very first staff person - Phyllis Gilberti Chamberlain. With your help and with Phyllis at the helm, VCEH will:

• Increase public awareness and education on the causes of and solutions to homelessness,
• Improve state funding and programs to prevent and end homelessness despite a tough budget environment,
• Provide information on key strategies that achieve results in ending homelessness, and
  
• Unify individuals and organizations throughout the Commonwealth all dedicated to the same goal - the prevention and end of homelessness.

Join VCEH as an organizational and / or individual member today.  As a member, you will play an active role in developing the vision for ending homelessness in the Commonwealth.

We have much to do.  Let's truly create a "common wealth" for all.  Join VCEH today.

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors, Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness