Sometimes different agencies speak on both sides of issues making it harder to focus on what a community really needs to help homeless people move to self-sufficiency. A coalition improves everyone's credibility. There is also safety in numbers. No one agency feels alone in speaking about needed services or public policy that affects the homeless. The coalition brings together people who can support each other in controversy.
Coalitions can also play an important role in community planning.
More and more, state and federal agencies require community planning to identify and address the needs of the community. A coalition can help a community avoid duplication and unnecessary services. Careful planning and evaluating can be an outcome of a strong coalition. Even informal coalitions allow for networking and information sharing. A coalition supports each member's fund raisers and work projects.