Legal Victories

For over four decades, Coalition for the Homeless has fought to defend the rights of homeless New Yorkers and to protect vulnerable adults, children and families from harm. From our landmark victory in Callahan v. Carey, which ensured the legal right to shelter for homeless adults in New York City, the Coalition’s groundbreaking litigation has protected essential rights for homeless New Yorkers — including the right to vote — and has established vital protections for people living with mental illness and HIV/AIDS.

The Callahan Legacy: Callahan v. Carey and the Legal Right to Shelter

The landmark victory in the 1979 lawsuit Callahan v. Carey paved the way for further legal victories that ensured the legal right to shelter for homeless women, children and families. Learn more here.

Protecting the Legal Right to Shelter

Coalition for the Homeless, in partnership with the Legal Aid Society and other organizations, continues to defend homeless New Yorkers against ongoing threats to the legal right to shelter. Learn more here.

Other Coalition for the Homeless Legal Victories

The Coalition has also won important protections for homeless people living with mental illness and HIV/AIDS, and has ensured homeless New Yorkers’ right to vote. Learn more here.