SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 448
WHEREAS, In the wake of the recent economic downturn, more
and more Americans are facing homelessness or the prospect of
losing their homes, including an increasing number who do not fit
the commonly held stereotype of the homeless; and
WHEREAS, A homeless person is generally defined as an
individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime
residence, or whose primary nighttime residence is a public or
private place not designed for regular sleeping accommodation; and
WHEREAS, While it is impossible to measure the rate of
homelessness with perfect accuracy, the Texas Homeless Network
estimates that close to 60,000 Texans experience homelessness on
any given day; and
WHEREAS, A sobering consequence of the nationwide economic
recession is the growing number of families and children
experiencing homelessness; according to a recent point-in-time
count, families now account for 30 percent of the state's
homeless population, and seven percent of the homeless are
unaccompanied minors; children who lack safe and permanent
housing often suffer from health and emotional problems as well
as impeded academic progress, with fewer than one in four
graduating from high school; and
WHEREAS, The State of Texas is home to a great number of
charities, government agencies, businesses, and advocacy groups
that are committed to serving homeless populations and
developing solutions to prevent and reduce homelessness in our
communities; and
WHEREAS, To that end, advocates from across the state are
gathering in Austin on April 2, 2015, to observe Homelessness
Awareness Day at the State Capitol; this occasion presents a
worthwhile opportunity to promote greater understanding of
issues facing homeless individuals and to foster solidarity in
statewide endeavors to end homelessness, a problem whose
implications for the future of our society cannot be overstated;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
Legislature, hereby recognize April 2, 2015, as Homelessness
Awareness Day and commend all those who are working on this
important issue.
Watson
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 30, 2015.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate