Our History


Sister Agencies

Since our inception in 1981, The Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless has shared a close and symbiotic relationship with St. Joseph Social Service Center. The agencies share ideals, space, a newsletter (”The Cornucopia”) and clients.  However, the two organizations have their own staff, board of directors and funding sources. By providing a full range of complimentary services and programs, the two agencies have woven together a safety net that helps community residents meet their most basic needs for shelter, food and clothing, while they work toward a more stable future.  Together,  St. Joseph Social Service Center and the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless provide seamless wraparound services for the poor and the homeless in our community.

Historical Timeline

  • 1981: The Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless is formed to address the unmet needs of the homeless in Elizabeth.  A true coalition of concerned individuals and organizations, the ECTHTH advocates for support services, shelters, and affordable housing.
  • 1983: The Coalition hires its first paid staff person, an advocate.
  • 1986:  The Coalition launches the children’s program for homeless youth, later named Bernice’s Place.  The program provides after-school tutoring, recreation, and a summer day camp.  The Coalition also works closely with Legal Services of New Jersey to bring about new legislation establishing the right of homeless children to an education.
  • 1987: The Coalition opens its first Hospitality House.  The program is modeled after the houses of hospitality run by Dorothy Day of the Catholic Worker Movement.
  • 1990: A second Hospitality House is opened.
  • 1998: The Coalition formalizes its Community Education Program to address the changes in the welfare system and to educate people about their rights and responsibilities as tenants.
  • 2003: Operation Warm Heart is opened in response to the death of a homeless woman in Elizabeth on Christmas Day, 2002.  Various churches and local organizations provide emergency winter shelter to the homeless.
  • 2006: Construction is completed on our third Hospitality House.  The program now serves a total of seven working families at any given time.
  • 2006: The Coalition celebrates its 25th Anniversary.  Our Project Gatekeeper advocacy unit, Bernice’s Place and the Hospitality House Program continue to serve thousands of clients annually.  While we celebrate the past, we also continue to work for a future when all persons may have safe, adequate and affordable housing.