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• NATIONAL LAW CENTER ON HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY

My experience with NLCHP has been very fulfilling and rewarding. I have been affiliated with the organization for many years and I am a member of the Board. I believe that NLCHP does great work for the community and has helped with many advancements for the homeless and believe that it will continue you to do so.

Over the years, the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty has been defined by the hard work and dedication of the individuals involved in its work--staff, pro bono attorneys and other volunteers, and board members. Further, it creatively untilizes its limited resources to achieved its desired goals around addressing homelessness. It is rare for an organization of its size to have such reach.

I have had the privilege of working with the National Law Center on Homelessness and Policy over many years. My first experiences with them were in developing and improving national laws to end homelessness and poverty (specifically - the McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act) which ultimately led to my becoming a member of their Board after I had left employment on Capitol Hill. The NLCHP always came with the facts - with solid reports - but an intense understanding of the human costs of poverty and how we could alleviate or eliminate those costs. With their commited leadership and staff, they continue to provide the legal protections and legal solutions for people who are homeless - whether it is making sure children who are homeless get in and stay in school; that people receive the benefits they're due; or, just keeping institutions accountable by enforcing the law through the legal system. The NLCHP works through its excellent staff and volunteers as well as utilizing links to pro-bono attorneys around the country. The organization is truly a shining star in Washington and in the nation - providing exemplary service and a voice for human rights and dignity in the United States.

I found the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty while seeking a full-time volunteer position to fill the time I had before starting with a law firm. I was particularly interested in its children & youth program, as I am passionate about education access. I was cognizant, when selecting an organization, of avoiding an organization that blindly pursued a cause without regard to reality. NLCHP impressed me during my volunteer period by the thoughtful, intellectual, and practical approach it took to fighting homelessness and poverty. During my time there I was impressed by the staff's strong commitment to the cause they serve. NLCHP employs a talented group of attorneys, development and communications persons, and support staff. Each member has above-average skills that lead to NLCHP's highly effective advocacy. The quality of its works is evidenced by the numerous government officials and news outlets that seek comments and information from NLCHP, as well as the large number of law firms that enjoy working on pro bono projects with it. For instance, NLCHP was extensively involved in bringing about protection for renter's in foreclosed properties passed in the spring of 2009. NLCHP is making a lasting impact on homelessness and poverty by fighting the causes, not just the symptoms. By going to the "root" of the problem, NLCHP effectuates long term change. The director, and board of directors, have done an excellent job creating a professional public interest, non-profit organization. Policy goals and strategic planning are thoughtfully developed. Success and adherence to the organization's goals are tracked monthly with organizational outcome reports. The result is an organization that is affecting real change for families across the nation.

I worked with NLCHP for over two years. I was consistently impressed with the huge impact they were able to make on very limited resources - there are many groups who provide direct services, but so few who work to change the underlying conditions that have caused the housing and homelessness crisis in America.