The Coalition Mourns the Passing of Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza
Catherine Villarreal • September 21, 2022
As one of the “Three Amigos,” Archbishop Fiorenza helped to form the Coalition in 1982.
The Coalition for the Homeless mourns the loss of Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza who died Monday at the age of 91.
In 1982, Houston Mayor Kathryn Whitmire and Harris County Judge Jon Lindsay along with area homeless service providers realized that a neutral coordinating agency was needed to liaise with government, support homeless service providers, and advocate to the public on behalf of those experiencing homelessness. Reverend William Lawson, Archbishop Fiorenza and Rabbi Karff — affectionately known as the “Three Amigos” — came together to unite faiths in a response to homelessness. They presented to Mayor Whitmire the need for what was then called the “Campaign for the Homeless.” From there, the Coalition for the Homeless was born.
Our condolences are with the archbishop's loved ones.
CFTH is testing how artificial intelligence can help connect people at risk of homelessness with existing prevention resources more efficiently.
Learn how the SMART team brings CFTH and community partners together to connect people experiencing homelessness with coordinated care and support.
When someone experiences homelessness, the right solution is not always a long-term housing program. Sometimes a person needs help replacing an ID, reconnecting with family, finding an affordable shared home or overcoming another immediate barrier. That idea guided CFTH Presents: Building Better Pathways — Creating Faster Routes to Stability . The Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County (CFTH) hosted the discussion with leaders who oversee and carry out Rapid Resolutions across The Way Home, the Houston region’s homeless response system.
