R 225

2016 -- S 2997 Enacted 05/11/2016

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING NOVEMBER 2, 2016, TO BE "HOMELESS AWARENESS DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senators Ciccone, Paiva Weed, Pichardo, Lombardo, and Lombardi

Date Introduced: May 11, 2016

WHEREAS, Rhode Island "Homeless Awareness Day" is a day to raise awareness about

homelessness, its dangers, its difficulties, its causes, and its effects; and

WHEREAS, Individuals of all ages and every race as well as entire families can

experience homelessness. Dangerous weather, limited or no access to clean clothes, affordable

shelter, food and even water are but a few of the obstacles they face on a daily basis; and

WHEREAS, Due to the overwhelming struggles faced by the homeless, the average age

of death for a homeless person is 47, as compared to the average age of 77 for the general

population; and

WHEREAS, Homelessness in not a choice. It can be caused by myriad events such as

losing one's job, a lack of affordable housing, lack of healthcare or overwhelming healthcare

costs, and mental health and addiction issues; and

WHEREAS, More than 4,000 people, including families and children, are homeless in

Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, Awareness, attention, and action can reduce the stigma and myths

surrounding homelessness and can help to reduce the number of homeless in our state; now,

therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby proclaims November 2, 2016, to be "Homeless Awareness Day" in our state. We

furthermore urge all the citizens of this state to observe this occasion by taking time to learn more

about the plight of the homeless in our state and to reflect on what you can do to lend a helping

hand to those in need; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby commends the students of DelSesto Middle School

for helping to raise awareness and encourage support for those who are homeless within our state;

and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Ryan Connole, DelSesto Middle School.

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LC005849

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