Advocate with Us
Join our network of advocates who are speaking up and taking action on behalf of people at-risk of or currently experiencing homelessness in Colorado and across the country.
To view the 2021 Legislative Report, click HERE >>
In order to support the Coalition’s work to provide integrated housing, healthcare, and support services to clients, the Education and Advocacy team explores and challenges the mechanisms that perpetuate homelessness in our communities.
COVID-19 RESPONSE FOR HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS
The COVID-19 pandemic has put one in four renters at risk of eviction and homelessness and exposed deep racial and social inequities in health and housing outcomes. Evictions risk lives, push families deeper into poverty, and further strain our nation’s public health system, making it more difficult to contain the virus. Homelessness was on the rise before COVID-19 and is likely to be made much worse by the virus. People experiencing homelessness are especially vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 and once infected, are more likely to require critical care and die from complications of the virus. Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is committed to advocating for additional resources to support people experiencing homelessness and keep people housed during the pandemic, particularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color.
RENTERS’ PROTECTIONS
The best way to address homelessness is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Colorado’s landlord tenant laws continue to leave renters vulnerable to eviction, displacement, and homelessness. The Coalition supports? legislation that improves access to safe, secure, sanitary housing as well as increases the fairness of the eviction court process, and puts reasonable limits on fees charged to tenants. Strengthened renters’ protections prevent homelessness and help support families and individuals on a path to stability.
HEALTHCARE AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS
The Coalition continues to work toward expanding access to integrated physical and mental health care options for Coloradans with limited resources. The Coalition advocates vehemently to preserve the substantial gains our state has made through Medicaid Expansion and defend the funding and systems that allow our Stout Street Health Center, which serves more than 15,000 people each year, to remain in operation. The Coalition supports efforts to make Medicaid reimbursement available for nonclinical professionals who deliver critical supportive services that keep people housed successfully and to expand resources for those suffering from substance use disorders.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM
The Coalition commits to addressing the overuse of the criminal justice system with meaningful solutions like appropriate behavioral health care, services, and crime prevention. In order to prevent recidivism and homelessness, it is critical to ensure a smooth transition into housing, health care, and the workforce. The Coalition also recognizes racial disparities in the criminal justice system and our responsibility to advocate for anti-racist policies that center the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Colorado benefits when people returning from incarceration can contribute fully to their communities, support their families, and maintain community bonds.
Federal Officials
Learn more about your elected officials in Congress and how to contact them.
Contact your Colorado Senators
Contact your Colorado Representatives
State Elected Officials
Learn more about your Colorado General Assembly.
Find the legislators that represent YOU, how to contact them, bills they've introduced, committees they serve on, and political contributions they've received.
Denver City Elected Officials
Contact your members of Denver City Council.
Find free, factual, unbiased information on all your elected officials at www.votesmart.org
CCH Properties and their Elected Officials
See who represent's the Coalition's many properties Here.
Who is an Advocate?
An advocate is passionate about a specific issue and works to influence others to support their cause. There are many ways to advocate. This can range from sending an email or making a phone call, to asking legislators to a coffee meeting, or even testifying.
When planning to speak with a policy-maker, remember to:
- Be prepared and educated
- Be concise
- Be compelling
- Look for a compromise
- Stay professional
- Do not send nasty emails or messages
Want to learn how to lobby? Check out LOBBYING 101 from the National Coalition for the Homeless.
How to Become a Successful Advocate
- Know the Current Events
Sign Up for Our Emails!
Read, learn, connect. Read our weekly Homelessness in the News emails on issues impacting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. By signing up for Homelessness in the News, you will also receive Action Alerts on legislative issues as they arise throughout the year. Knowing is half of the equation—participating is the other. - Know Your Elected Officials
Take a moment to visit our Meet Your Elected Officials section above. There, you can find who each of your representatives are and how they traditionally vote on issues that are important to you. Being informed arms you with the information on when and how to engage with your elected officials in your own personal advocacy efforts. - Know Our National Partners
Organizations across the country are joining in the fight against homelessness and greater access to housing and health care. Find more information and resources about national organizations and their advocacy efforts here: National Organizations
The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is a private, nonprofit organization recognized as exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The mission of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is to work collaboratively toward the prevention of homelessness and the creation of lasting solutions for homeless and at-risk families, children, and individuals throughout Colorado. CCH advocates for and provides a continuum of housing and a variety of services to improve the health, well-being, and stability of those it serves.
The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless may take positions on or advocate regarding public policy issues pertinent to its mission, consistent with the requirements of applicable Federal and state law. However, CCH conducts all its activities in an entirely nonpartisan manner. CCH may acknowledge the elected officials who support us, but we do not endorse, support, or oppose candidates for public office, nor do we intervene in any election on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate or political party.