2009 Events

Annual "Have a Heart for the Homeless" Candlelight Vigil   

The Nassau-Suffolk Coalition for the Homeless held its annual "Have a Heart for the Homeless" Candlelight Vigil on Thursday, February 12, 2009 at Farmingdale State College.   Nearly 2,000 volunteers, consumers, government representatives and members of faith-based organizations, non-profit organizations, and school and community groups made this year's Vigil a tremendous success!  Live musical entertainment was provided by Deirdre Lebrecht, children of all ages were treated to face painting, and free haircuts were provided by talented hairstylists from ID Salon.  WWF/WWE Wrestling Champion Mick "Mankind" Foley also made a guest appearance!  Donations of unused baby items, diapers and formula, along with toiletries, non-perishable foods, clothing and blankets were accepted and distributed at the event.  NSCH would like to thank everyone who participated in event for their support and contributions to ending homelessness on Long Island!

     
     
     

 

3rd Annual "Back Pack Pirates" Event/Supply Our Students Drive

On August 12, 2009, the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless participated in the Third Annual Backpack Pirates event hosted by Every Child's Dream.  Children of all ages spent a fun-filled day on Fire Island swimming in the ocean, dancing, enjoying the theatrics of Story Pirates and hunting for treasure. At the end of the day, each child received a backpack filled with school supplies. Thanks to all of the wonderful, tireless volunteers who made this event a tremendous success!

   
   
   
   
   
   
   

 

21st Annual Keys for the Homeless Conference

The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless held its 21st Annual Keys for the Homeless Conference on October 9, 2009 at Touro Law Center in Central Islip, New York.   Keynote speaker Diane Nilan - Founder and President of HEAR US - addressed Conference attendees and offered tours of her RV, Tillie the Turtle.  Workshops were conducted on such topics as community volunteerism, foreclosure prevention, housing development funding, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), surviving bedbugs, HMIS, veterans, and others.  Key of Excellence Awards were presented to Jo Anne Collins of Family Service League, Dorothy Overton of Empire National Bank, and Mick Foley.  Two Helen Martin Scholarships were also presentedto aspiring college students who have experienced homelessness. 

LICH would like to express sincere thanks to the Keys Conference Planning Committee, volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, LICH Board of Directors, and Conference attendees for ensuring the success of the 21st Annual Keys for the Homeless Conference!