TITLE: Recognizing April 2, 2015, as Homelessness Awareness Day.

SUMMARY: Recognizing April 2, 2015, as Homelessness Awareness Day.

FULL TEXT:
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 President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 30, 2015.