Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless

The Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless (MCCH) is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to combating homelessness in Montgomery County, Maryland. Established in 1990, MCCH has grown from a small network of emergency shelters and soup kitchens into a comprehensive service provider addressing homelessness through various strategies.

Mission and Services

MCCH aims to make homelessness a rare, brief, and nonrecurring experience. It provides four key solutions to achieve this goal:

• Emergency Shelter: MCCH offers emergency shelter services to meet the immediate needs of men and women experiencing homelessness. These shelters provide a safe environment, allowing individuals to focus on finding permanent housing.

• Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH): MCCH offers PSH programs that combine affordable housing with ongoing support services. These programs assist formerly homeless families and single adults in maintaining stable housing.

• Advocacy for Systemic Change: MCCH advocates for systemic changes to improve community responses to homelessness. This involves collaborating with local and federal agencies, other nonprofits, and community groups to enhance services and support.

• Expanding Affordable Housing: Through its affiliate, Coalition Homes, MCCH works to increase the availability of affordable housing in Montgomery County.

Operational Practices

MCCH operates under three guiding principles:

• Housing First: This approach prioritizes providing permanent housing to individuals as quickly as possible, followed by supportive services to address underlying issues that led to homelessness.

• Harm Reduction: MCCH helps clients recognize how harmful behaviors, such as substance use, can limit their potential, encouraging safer practices.

• Trauma-Informed Care: Recognizing the trauma caused by homelessness, MCCH ensures interactions with clients are sensitive and supportive to prevent further trauma.

Governance and Financials

MCCH is a 501(c)3 organization, classified under Human Services - Multipurpose and Other N.E.C. (NTEE). As such, donations to MCCH are tax-deductible. In recent years, MCCH has reported significant revenue from program services, with contributions also playing a key role.

Impact and Community Engagement

MCCH's success relies heavily on community support, including financial donations and volunteer efforts. Volunteers contribute by preparing meals, organizing collection drives, and participating in other community projects. Each year, MCCH serves approximately 1,600 men, women, and children.

The organization has received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its strong financial management and accountability.

[1] https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Homelessness/MCCH.html [2] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/521735674 [3] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/20-3364814 [4] https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/521735674 [5] https://mcch.net