In other words, the coalition is formed, not to enhance the individual standing of an agency but rather to focus on the needs and services that solve the problem of homelessness. The best and strongest coalitions understand that individual agencies and individuals need to collaborate to solve these complex problems. Increasingly, service providers, legislative people and homeless advocates recognize that the problems of the homeless are complex and overlapping. Services provided in isolation are often only band-aide attempts to solve the immediate crisis. Emergency and transitional remedies alone, while critical, cannot ensure that the underlying causes of homelessness are removed.
Homeless people require much more than safe, clean, and affordable housing.
A system that ensures a continuum of care for homeless people and strives towards prevention of future homelessness can only exist with the collaboration of many community-based agencies, as well as public and private organizations. Homeless coalitions are organizations that assist shelters and community-based agencies to plan, develop and implement collaborative services designed to provide needed care and create systemic change within the community. Members of the coalition work together to look at the larger picture and identify gaps in the services, unmet needs, and what future services might be required. Homeless coalitions also speak as one voice. Through mutual support and recognition of each member as part of a larger whole, a community attitude is created.