Title
To declare May 7- May 15, 2005 as Homeless Awareness Week.
Body
WHEREAS, the third week in May has been recognized by the City of Columbus as Homeless Awareness week since 1996; and
WHEREAS, there are citizens in this community who do not have a place to call home due to socioeconomic factors such as limited affordable housing, the high cost of rental housing, unemployment and the prevalence of substance abuse and mental illness; and
WHEREAS, our city has made progress to eliminate chronic homelessness through the creation of permanent supportive housing, the funding of essential health, mental health and drug abuse programs and the efficient use of state and federal dollars. However, there are still many families, children and individuals who remain homeless in Central Ohio; and
WHEREAS, we have many citizens living in this community who have limited knowledge about the phenomenon of homelessness and its causes and its effects on the lives of the most vulnerable citizens among us; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby proclaim May 8th through May 15th, 2005 as Homeless Awareness Week and encourages the community to learn about homelessness, its existence and ramifications in our city and the solutions available to end it.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT we support the efforts of the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless and its partner agencies to inform and educate the public and resolve homeless issues.