Community Matters: Coalition for the Homeless

What it is

Coalition for the Homeless helps homeless men, women and children access affordable housing, sufficient food and the chance to work for a living wage through litigation, public education and direct services.

What they do

“The Coalition serves more than 1,000 meals a night to homeless men, women and children and provides 24,000 homeless children with support including after-school tutoring,” explains Barry Berke, Kramer Levin Litigation partner and chairman of the Coalition. “They help people who have experienced an event in their life that puts them at risk of becoming homeless. The Coalition will not only provide them with the rent difference, but also provide counseling to help them devise a plan going forward.”

Why it’s great

“They play a significant role in monitoring how homeless folks are treated and making sure they have the services they need and that they are legally entitled to,” says Barry.

How Kramer Levin got involved

“Our commitment to the Coalition goes back to almost its inception,” explains Michael Korotkin, Real Estate partner and longtime supporter of the Coalition. “When [founding Kramer Levin partner] Lou Lowenstein was chairman of the Coalition, he wanted them to have a home, and he made that happen.” Thanks in large part to the firm’s fundraising and pro bono efforts, the Coalition now owns its building at 129 Fulton St. free and clear.

What we do for them

According to David Giffen, the Coalition’s executive director, Kramer Levin supports the organization in terms of “board leadership, pro bono legal help, volunteering, providing internships and employment to formerly homeless women, monetary donations, participation in drives to collect toys and school supplies for homeless children, and attendance at Coalition events.” He adds that the firm’s support “is invaluable to our work on behalf of the most vulnerable people in our city.” Cindy B. Arnold, Kramer Levin's chief human resources officer, also serves as Chairperson of the board for the Coalition’s First Step Program.

How they feel about our work

“Kramer Levin’s long partnership with the Coalition for the Homeless has had a tremendous impact on the lives and well-being of homeless New Yorkers,” says Giffen. “We could never adequately express our gratitude for everything the firm does for us.”

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