Reps. Richardville, Anderson, Bieda, Casperson, Dennis, Ehardt, Elkins, Farhat, Hager, Jamnick, O'Neil, Sak, Vagnozzi, Zelenko, Accavitti, Adamini, Bradstreet, Brown, Byrum, Caswell, Clack, Condino, DeRossett, Farrah, Garfield, Gillard, Gleason, Hardman, Hopgood, Koetje, Kolb, LaSata, Lipsey, Meisner, Meyer, Milosch, Minore, Murphy, Nofs, Palmer, Pappageorge, Pastor, Phillips, Rocca, Shackleton, Shaffer, Shulman, Spade, Stakoe, Stallworth, Tabor, Taub, Tobocman, Vander Veen, Voorhees and Wojno offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 294.

A resolution in support of the Michigan Policy Academy on homeless families and children, and recognizing Homeless Awareness Week November 14-20, 2004, in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, Tens of thousands of people on any given day are homeless in the state of Michigan. There are more than 750 providers of shelter and other services that offer help to homeless families and individuals.  Unfortunately, the demand for these services far exceeds what is available and many families, including thousands of children, are forced to take refuge in cars, campsites, abandoned buildings, and many other unsuitable places; and

Whereas, Homelessness affects every community in Michigan – all age groups, all racial and ethnic groups, and families with children as well as individuals.  The number of homeless families with children has continued to climb over the last ten years, making children the fastest growing group of people experiencing homelessness.  In fact, today, the average age of a homeless person in the United States is nine years old; and

Whereas, In recognition of the magnitude of these challenges for Michigan families, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has convened a statewide Policy Leadership Team on Housing and Homelessness to develop a strategic plan for ending homelessness in Michigan over the coming decade, with a special emphasis on increasing access to housing and mainstream services for homeless individuals, families, and children; and

Whereas, The Policy Leadership Team of the Michigan Policy Academy on Homeless Families and Children has established a vision that “All Michigan children and families live with dignity and thrive in safe, affordable and sustainable homes in supportive communities”; and

Whereas, The Academy seeks the support and assistance of the Michigan Legislature in its efforts, and encourages every Michigan citizen to recognize its challenging work to end homelessness in this state by showing support for homeless families and children during Homeless Awareness Week to be recognized in Michigan November 14–20, 2004; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House, That the members of this legislative body commend all work group participants of the Michigan Policy Academy on Homeless Families and Children for their important contributions, and encourage all citizens to get involved with local efforts to highlight the plight of homeless families and children during Homeless Awareness Week; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be presented to the Michigan Policy Academy on Homeless Families and Children as evidence of our esteem for its leadership and service in helping to end homelessness in the state of Michigan.