The Coalition stands with those speaking out against racism and racial injustice

Communications Admin • Jun 05, 2020

In recent days, across our country, people have been speaking out against racism and racial injustice. We at the Coalition for the Homeless stand with them. Black lives matter!

This issue hits close to home for us. Not only because Houston was the longtime home of George Floyd, but because as we work to serve people experiencing homelessness, racial inequity is not an abstract concept. It is the reality we see every day.

The fact is that African Americans are disproportionately represented among people experiencing homelessness in our community. People who identify as Black or African American make up 22.5% of the population of the greater Houston region but 57% of those experiencing homelessness.

This disparity is the result of decades of structural oppression and systemic racism. It is upsetting and unacceptable. It also compels us to action.

We are committed to improving racial equity within our local homeless response system - both in terms of access to services and positive outcomes. We will continue to examine our data to learn where we can do better. We are also committed to including input from voices that are reflective of the communities that we serve.

We look forward to working with our partners in the homeless response system to create positive change.

Alan C. Watkins

Chairman of the Board

Coalition for the Homeless

Michael C. Nichols

President and CEO

Coalition for the Homeless

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