Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness

06/23/2026

There are a lot of ways to stay connected with the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness!

📬 Subscribe to our newsletters for training opportunities, advocacy updates, and upcoming events. We send them thoughtfully and sparingly—because we respect your inbox.

Sign Up Here: https://ow.ly/Gylo50Z5li7

🎙️ Like and subscribe to our podcast, UnHoused & UnFiltered, available wherever you get your favorite podcasts. New episodes drop weekly, bringing you the latest conversations, policy updates, and perspectives from across Michigan and beyond. Also on our YouTube channel!

📱 Follow us on social media:
• Threads
• TikTok
• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

🌐 Visit our website for resources, news, events, and ways to get involved.
www.mihomeless.org

Choose what works for YOU. Stay informed. Be part of the movement to end homelessness in Michigan.

06/22/2026

MCAH Member Monday

We at MCAH love starting each week by acknowledging and thanking our wonderful members! We could NOT accomplish the advocacy, litigation, training, and general impact during these trying times without you!

A huge thank you to the following agencies for their long-time support of MCAH!

Today we would like to acknowledge Avalon Housing
Avalon Housing works to address homelessness by developing affordable housing centered on community, care and support.

To learn more about how to join MCAH (and why), visit https://www.mihomeless.org/membership/

06/19/2026

For your planning purposes, in observance of Juneteenth, the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness office will be closed today, Friday, June 19.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and serves as an opportunity to reflect on our nation's history, honor the resilience and contributions of Black Americans, and reaffirm our commitment to equity and opportunity for all.
We encourage everyone to take time to learn, reflect, and celebrate the significance of this important day. Please also see the comments for events around the state of Michigan.

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06/18/2026

Meet the Leaders Behind the Mission: Thank You, MCAH Board Members

Behind every strong organization is a dedicated group of leaders who generously share their time, expertise, and passion to advance the mission.

This summer, we're proud to recognize and thank the members of the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness Board of Directors. Their leadership, guidance, and commitment help shape our work to prevent and end homelessness across Michigan.

Thank you for your leadership and for standing with us in the work of advancing housing stability for all.

________________________________________________________________

Meet Raphael B. Johnson
Dr. Raphael B. Johnson is an educator, researcher, community leader, legislative strategist, author, and accomplished athlete whose work has focused on youth development, education, and social justice. A graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy and Gwynedd Mercy University’s Executive Doctorate in Educational Leadership program, he gained international recognition when his award-winning doctoral research examined self-destructive behavior in urban middle school males as a predictor of adult incarceration. In 2004, he founded The 180° Program, which provides behavior support, social-emotional learning, and academic success strategies for students and educators. Dr. Johnson is also the founder and chair of The Detroit 300, earning honors including the NAACP Ida B. Wells Award, Michiganian of the Year, the Spirit of Detroit Award, and numerous other recognitions for his community impact. Currently serving as a Michigan Senate Legislative Director, he advances policy initiatives in education, civil rights, economic development, healthcare, and criminal justice reform. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a record-holding powerlifter, youth mentor, board member for several nonprofit organizations, and a dedicated husband and father.

06/17/2026

MCAH is hosting weekly meetings with CoCs to address. Email Amy at [email protected] if interested.

06/17/2026

Wednesday Welcome

Join us each Wednesday as we welcome our newest MCAH member. This week, meet Vista Maria. What began 140 years ago as a home for girls and women in need at Vista Maria has evolved to encompass mental health services, foster care and adoption, and secure care for the survivors of human trafficking, along with a focus on education, independent living, and advocacy for the welfare of children.

Learn more at: https://www.vistamaria.org/

06/17/2026

Meet the Leaders Behind the Mission: Thank You, MCAH Board Members

Behind every strong organization is a dedicated group of leaders who generously share their time, expertise, and passion to advance the mission.

This summer, we're proud to recognize and thank the members of the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness Board of Directors. Their leadership, guidance, and commitment help shape our work to prevent and end homelessness across Michigan.

Our board members bring diverse perspectives and experiences from communities across the state, helping ensure that MCAH remains focused on advocacy, education, collaboration, and solutions that make a difference for people experiencing housing instability.

Please join us in thanking our Board of Directors for their service, vision, and unwavering commitment to creating a Michigan where everyone has a safe and stable place to call home.

Thank you for your leadership and for standing with us in the work of advancing housing stability for all.

________________________________________________________________

Meet Elizabeth Kelly
Elizabeth Kelly is the former Executive Director/CEO of HOPE and HOPE Recuperative Center in Pontiac, Michigan, providing emergency shelter and medical respite services for people experiencing homelessness. A collaborative community leader, she has helped advance statewide policy changes that provide free state IDs and birth certificates to individuals experiencing homelessness and supports criminal justice reforms that reduce incarceration for those unable to pay fines. Kelly is leading efforts to expand shelter capacity and create more trauma-informed, non-congregate housing options. Her work has earned numerous honors, including recognition as a Michigan Hometown Hero and multiple Public Policy Champion awards. She also hosts and produces PBS’s A Wider World, the only regularly broadcast television program focused on disability issues in the U.S. and Canada.

06/16/2026

Member Partner News!

We're very excited to announce that we are now taking applications for residents to live at Avalon’s first building in Ypsilanti, 206 North Washington St.! The form is online at avalonhousing.org/apply.
The income requirements are $1,650 - $4,840 monthly ($19,800 - $58,140 annually) for a one-person household, and a total of $1,650 - $5,500 monthly ($19,800 - $66,480 annually) for a two-person household.
Rent will be $825/month, including utilities, and the first move-in is anticipated for Oct. 1. Applicants will be selected by random lottery. Applications are due June 30.

06/16/2026

For your planning purposes, in observance of Juneteenth, the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness office will be closed on Friday, June 19.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and serves as an opportunity to reflect on our nation's history, honor the resilience and contributions of Black Americans, and reaffirm our commitment to equity and opportunity for all.

We encourage everyone to take time to learn, reflect, and celebrate the significance of this important day. Please also see the comments for events around the state of Michigan.

06/16/2026

12th Annual Breakfast of Champions | Registration & Nominations Are Open!

Thank you to the over 30 nominations received!

Each year MCAH takes the opportunity to honor several housing "champions" across six categories at our annual Breakfast of Champions. And what a year it has been to recognize someone sitting across from you or in your community who has shown such tenacity during some challenging times.

Learn more here about category descriptions, submission process (it's simple) and important deadlines and the link below. And in the images below, meet some of our past champions!

https://conta.cc/4ev62FW