Odessa Homeless Coalition

a Project of Odessa Links

Meetings

Meetings are generally held on the fourth Thursday of each month at Municipal Plaza Room #1; however, dates and times may occasionally vary. For the most up-to-date information, please contact Odessa Homeless Coalition Coordinator Jesus homeless@linksodessa.org for details

Who We Are

Mission

The mission of Odessa Homeless Coalition, a project of Odessa Links, is to unite community partners, resources, and data-driven strategies to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness in transitioning to stable, permanent housing while empowering them toward long-term self-sufficiency.

Vision

Odessa Homeless Coalition, a project of Odessa Links, envisions a community where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring—where every individual and family has access to safe housing, supportive services, and the opportunity to thrive with dignity.

Grounded in the belief that “every homeless person is a human being…with purpose and dignity,” the Coalition promotes a community-wide mindset of compassion, collaboration, and shared responsibility.

History

Odessa Homeless Coalition, a project of Odessa Links, was established in 1999 through a collaboration between the City of Odessa, United Way, and the Odessa Housing Authority in response to a growing community need.

Since its founding, Odessa Links has served as the lead agency and coordinating hub, bringing together local government, nonprofits, service providers, and community advocates. The Coalition operates through a structured Continuum of Care approach, organizing teams focused on data collection, strategic planning, and resource development to address homelessness comprehensively.

Today, it continues to serve as a central force in aligning efforts, guiding funding priorities, and strengthening collaboration across Odessa.

What We Do

Odessa Homeless Coalition, a project of Odessa Links, serves as the community’s coordinating body to address homelessness through collaboration, data, and strategic action.

Key Functions:

Community Collaboration & Leadership

Brings together local agencies, government entities, and advocates
Develops shared goals, strategies, and priorities
Coordinates the Continuum of Care to streamline services

Data & System Coordination (HMIS Lead)

Operates as Odessa’s central HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) hub
Collects and analyzes data to guide funding, policy, and program decisions

Point-in-Time (PIT) Count

Organizes the annual community-wide count of individuals experiencing homelessness
Provides a critical snapshot of local needs to inform planning and funding
Engages volunteers and partners in data collection

Resource Coordination & Access

Supports coordinated entry systems connecting individuals to housing and services
Identifies service gaps and works to expand available resources
Promotes rapid rehousing and case management solutions

Advocacy & Public Awareness

Educates the community on the realities of homelessness
Challenges misconceptions (e.g., addiction is not the primary cause for most individuals)
Encourages community involvement through volunteering, donations, and advocacy