A Milestone 2025 and the Work Still Ahead

As 2025 comes to a close, the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless marks a milestone year: four decades of work dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness on Long Island. This anniversary offers a moment to pause, reflect, and look back on what we’ve accomplished together.

It makes sense that a milestone year would bring both extraordinary impact and significant challenges. In 2025, our work required advocacy, resolve, and the unwavering commitment of partner organizations, businesses, volunteers, donors, and individuals who believe in the dignity and worth of every person. Time and again, we were reminded of the power of community and solidarity.

A Year of Growth and Reflection

This year also marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Coalition as we developed a strategic plan to guide our work starting in 2026. This planning was grounded in intentional reflection and community input, including data from the 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, which highlighted growing needs across Long Island and the importance of coordinated, system-level responses.

The Nassau Suffolk Continuum of Care (CoC) continues to play a central role in shaping these shared priorities and strategies, bringing together systems, providers, and communities to meet immediate needs while advancing long-term solutions. The Coalition remains deeply engaged in this work, supporting stronger partnerships and system-wide planning to better serve those experiencing homelessness.

Connecting and Caring Together

Throughout 2025, the Coalition also hosted events that brought people together, combining compassion, connection, and action. Highlights included:

• Backpack Pirates, our summer camp bringing fun, learning, and adventure to children in shelters across Long Island.

• Milo's 5K for the Homeless, our first annual race raising awareness and funds.

• Stuff the Pantry, a drive collecting food and essentials for families facing food insecurity.

• People and Pets Holiday Photos, celebrating the bond between people and their pets.

• Keys for the Homeless Conference, an annual gathering of experts and community members to share knowledge and plan for the future.

Each event reflected what is possible when people come together with purpose. We are deeply grateful to all who participated, volunteered, and supported these efforts.

Looking Ahead

While 2025 was a year of reflection and milestones, the ongoing challenges of homelessness remain. The work ahead will focus on addressing root causes, increasing access to housing and services, strengthening partnerships, and engaging more people in advocacy and support.

As we close this milestone year, we are reminded that the Coalition’s impact is built by a community that chooses to show up for one another. By working together, Long Islanders can continue to build a stronger, more compassionate community where everyone has a safe place to call home. If you’d like to help us carry this work forward, learn how you can donate or get involved.