TITLE: Recognizing April 2, 2015, as Homelessness Awareness Day at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Recognizing April 2, 2015, as Homelessness Awareness Day at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Each year, hundreds of thousands of American families and individuals face homelessness or the prospect of losing their homes; 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 that more than 2,200 of these people are youths; and WHEREAS, A significant number of these Texans defy the commonly held stereotype of the homeless; according to a 2013 point-in-time count, families represent 30 percent of the state's homeless population, and 2.4 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 an opportunity to promote greater understanding of issues facing homeless individuals and to foster solidarity in statewide endeavors to end homelessness, a problem with implications for the future of our society that cannot be overstated; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby recognize April 2, 2015, as Homelessness Awareness Day and commend all those endeavoring to aid the homeless for their important work. Naishtat Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1610 was adopted by the House on April 23, 2015, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House