The Sparrow Coalition works to give voice to those struggling with poverty and homelessness. Members educate the community on these issues locally and at the state level. We have hosted film screenings, dialogues, and a number of educational events throughout our region. Advocacy work has included testifying before the Illinois Senate Health and Human Services Committee on the regional impact of the budget impasse. Regular in-services are also held to educate citizens and faith and civic organizations on area social services.

Currently, the Sparrow Coalition is inviting area families, organizations, Sunday School classes and youth groups to collect toiletries and cold weather items for those in need. You can choose to collect just one item from the list, or whatever works best for your community. Items collected can be given to the Sparrow Coalition for distribution to homeless and vulnerable individuals in our area. Please collect through November 7, 2017. Contact the the Sparrow Coalition at 314-669-1577 or info@sparrowcoalition.org when your collection is complete so arrangements for pick-up can be made. 

Click Here for a Printable List of Needed Items

Community Forum: Challenges of Poverty in Carbondale

The Community Forum series “Challenges of Poverty in Carbondale,” was a yearlong initiative of the Sparrow Coalition and Southern Illinois University’s Imagining Geographies-Civic Soul, in partnership with the Carbondale Public Library and Nonviolent Carbondale. The goal of the community forum was to advance ongoing understanding, discussion, and actions related to issues and consequences of poverty and homelessness. The forum brought leaders to the table around issues such as the regional impact of Illinois’ historic budget impasse, the experience of homelessness in Southern Illinois, and innovative national projects successful in alleviating poverty. The series began in June 2015 and culminated in June 2016. Learn more about the community forum series here.

Peter Lemish, of SIU’s Imagining Geographies-Civic Soul, speaks about the local impact of the state budget impasse at a community forum on poverty at the Carbondale Public Library. Photo Jacob Wiegand, Daily Egyptian

All are invited to Sparrow Coalition general meetings, and to get involved with Sparrow Coalition teams working on emergency shelter, low-income housing, and advocacy. The Sparrow Coalition is also available to speak to community groups and civic organizations.  You can reach us at info@sparrowcoalition.org or by calling (314) 669-1577.