The Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless is organized to promote and preserve the dignity and quality of life for men, women, and children by pursuing comprehensive and cooperative solutions to the problems of housing and homelessness. This is accomplished through advocacy, education, collaboration, technical assistance, and selected direct services to homeless individuals and families, coalition members, elected officials, and the community-at-large. Since its founding in 1988, the Coalition has represented its members and those who are homeless with regard to policy and advocacy issues on the local, the state and federal level.