Bill Text: MI HR0194 | 2017-2018 | 99th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to declare November 11-19, 2017, as Homeless Awareness Week in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2017-11-02 - Adopted [HR0194 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2017-HR0194-Enrolled.html
Reps. Cochran, Allor, Calley, Canfield, Chirkun, Clemente, Elder, Ellison, Faris, Gay-Dagnogo, Geiss, Green, Greig, Hoadley, Howrylak, Hughes, Kahle, Lauwers, Liberati, Love, Marino, Maturen, Moss, Pagan, Rabhi, Sabo, Schor, Sneller, Sowerby, Webber, Whiteford, Wittenberg and Yaroch offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 194.
A resolution to declare November 11-19, 2017, as Homeless Awareness Week in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, In 2016, 66,483 individuals experienced literal homelessness in Michigan. Michigan has more than 600 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. Many families, including children and seniors, are forced to take refuge in cars, campsites, abandoned buildings, and many other unsuitable places; and
Whereas, Homelessness affects every community in Michigan and all age groups, all racial and ethnic groups, and both individuals and families. The number of seniors in Michigan experiencing homelessness increased by 9% from 2014 to 2016, making seniors one of the fastest growing populations experiencing homelessness. In 2016, nearly 8,000 seniors were homeless at some point, with 84% being between the ages of 55 and 64; and
Whereas, Michigan has made great strides toward ending homelessness thanks to collaboration and smart adjustments to housing policies, yet our state still has tens of thousands of people still homeless every day. From 2014 to 2016, individuals experiencing homelessness decreased by 9%, with veteran homelessness decreasing by 16%, due to concentrated national and state efforts to serve veterans. A focus on “housing first” and rapid re-housing services secured permanent housing for over 22,000 people transitioning from living on the streets or in shelters; and
Whereas, The risk of homelessness continues to threaten Michigan families. The rising cost of rent makes affordable housing for low-income families difficult to achieve. In 2016, the typical family experiencing homelessness in Michigan had only an average annual income of $9,240; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare November 11-19, 2017, as Homeless Awareness Week in the state of Michigan. We support and commend all work group participants of the Campaign to End Homelessness, including the hundreds of service providers, the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness, and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, for their important contributions. We encourage all citizens to get involved with local efforts to highlight the plight of homeless individuals, including families, children, and seniors, during Homeless Awareness Week; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority as evidence of our esteem for its leadership and service in helping to end homelessness in the state of Michigan.
