* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Harris
At the request of: Health Care for the Homeless, Inc.
c/o Adam F. Schneider, Community Relations Associate
Address: 111 Park Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Telephone: 410-837-5533
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
Title
December 21, 2005 - National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day
FOR the purpose of proclaiming December 21, 2005, National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day in Baltimore City in memory of those men, women, and children in our City who died in 2005, because they had no shelter from the elements, no safe haven from evil predators, and no spiritual balm for their wounded souls.
Body
Recitals
Each year since 1990, on or near the 1st day of winter and the longest night of the year, the National Coalition for the Homeless (NHC) has sponsored National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day to bring attention to the tragedy of homelessness and to remember those homeless persons who have paid the ultimate price for the nation's failure to end homelessness and those factors that contribute to persons having no regular place to call home.
This year, the National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC) is joining the National Coalition in co-sponsoring the event to draw the nation's attention to the plight of the estimated 3.5 million people nationwide who experience homelessness in the course of a year. Last year 125 cities across the nation - from Washington, D.C., to Detroit Michigan, to Seattle, Washington - sponsored events to honor those who have died and to recommit to the task of ending homelessness.
Here in Baltimore, last year providers remembered 80 Baltimoreans who had died without secure housing. This year, Health Care for the Homeless is working with a coalition of homeless service providers dedicated to "Stopping Homelessness and Reducing Poverty" (SHARP) to prepare for this year's Homeless Persons' Memorial Day and have, so far, collected the names of 40 individuals who died homeless with many agencies yet to report.
Health Care for the Homeless is joined in the organizational membership of SHARP by:
* AIRS (Aids Interfaith Residential Services)
* Baltimore Homeless Services, Inc.
* Catholic Charities
* Center for Poverty Solutions
* Center for Values and Service, Loyola College in Maryland
* Department of Social Services, Homeless Services Unit, Baltimore City
* Gaudenzia at Park Heights
* Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation
* Homeless Person's Representation Project
* Housing Opportunities Unlimited
* Maryland Office of the Public Defender
* Mercy Supportive Housing
* St. Vincent DePaul of Baltimore
* United Ministries, Inc.
As those of us who are more fortunate enjoy the warmth and comfort of our homes this holiday season of giving, we must keep in mind, join in spirit, and benefit by selfless action those whose plight we would share were it not for the grace of a higher power beyond our worldly control.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That this Body proclaims December 21, 2005, National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day in Baltimore City in memory of those men, women, and children in our City who died in 2005, because they had no shelter from the elements, no safe haven from evil predators, and no spiritual balm for their wounded souls.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the organizations of SHARP, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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