Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless

The mission of the Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless is to advocate on behalf of homeless persons and providers of homeless services, increase public awareness of homelessness and develop strategies that effectively and efficiently address the needs of homeless persons in our community.

MACH assists homeless shelters and service providers and  provides direct service to those experiencing homelessness. We pursue activities that fill gaps in services in our area such as Street Outreach and Housing Assistance. MACH also incorporates best practices developed by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other organizations into its programming.

MACH events are designed to meet the needs of the homeless in our community in a tangible way. These events bring together MACH’s member agencies and other community supporters to provide much-needed resources.

The Blanket Drive is held each year to collect items that will be used by those living on the streets, in vehicles, in abandoned houses and in shelters. MACH can accept all sizes and types of blankets and also appreciates donations of coats, hats, gloves and other winter items. Socks are also helpful year round.

The River Region Connects event is MACH’s largest annual event and offers a wide-range of important services and supports. The event removes the transportation barrier by bringing all of these services under one roof for the convenience of the homeless clients. MACH welcomes new agency partners who would like to be involved in either event.   

MACH’s Street Outreach Worker provides services and case management to the homeless living on the streets or in places not meant for human habitation. The Outreach Worker is on call five days a week during business hours to respond to requests for assistance received directly by MACH and through the 2-1-1 Connects Call Center.

We work with HandsOn River Region to oversee the operation of the local Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), a secure system that allows a number of different agencies and users to continuously enter clients’ data, while being assured that the information is protected. MACH conducts an annual survey of sheltered and unsheltered homeless individuals within its geographic boundaries. The survey includes a street count where teams of volunteers canvas areas where the homeless are known to gather. 

Lastly, the Housing Assistance Program helps individuals or families who are homeless or about to be evicted from rental property. Applicants selected to participate may receive financial help with move-in expenses, help with making a plan to maintain housing and budgeting skills as well as referrals for GED classes, technical school, college or training programs. Clients will be connected with applications for benefits or mainstream resources and other supportive services as needed.