Bill Text: NJ SJR17 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Designates February 14 of each year as "Socks for the Homeless Day."
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 9-1)
Status: (Passed) 2018-02-21 - Approved P.L.2018, JR-1. [SJR17 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2018-SJR17-Chaptered.html
§§1,2 -
C.36:2-323 &
36:2-324
A Joint Resolution designating February 14 of each year as "Socks for the Homeless Day."
Whereas, According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's January 2017 Point in Time survey, 553,742 people in the United States are homeless, with chronic or long-term homelessness increasing 12 percent from 2016; and
Whereas, The number of homeless individuals in New Jersey totalled over 8,500 according to the January 2017 survey, although it has been noted that the number may actually be even higher; and
Whereas, The myriad challenges faced daily by homeless individuals in our society threaten their health, safety, and dignity; and
Whereas, Without access to shelter, employment, and basic amenities, clean socks are very frequently out of reach of those individuals, children, and families who are homeless either temporarily or on a long-term basis; and
Whereas, Socks are a basic need, and help prevent frostbite, hypothermia, blisters, and ulcers, any of which if left untreated could potentially lead to the need for amputation, particularly when an individual's health is already compromised; and
Whereas, Clean, well-made socks are essential to protect the skin and soft tissue of the feet from injury, help manage the moisture that is produced by glands in the feet, and protect the feet and toes from extreme temperatures; and
Whereas, Shoe liners can harbor fungus and bacteria and socks help to protect the wearer from acquiring an infection of the toe or foot as a result of contact with the fungus or bacteria; and
Whereas, Clothing donations to organizations that support the homeless population are much appreciated and desperately needed, but rarely include socks; and
Whereas, By increasing awareness of the many challenges and dangers facing individuals who are homeless, including their ongoing need for socks, the generous citizens of the State are encouraged to make monetary or in-kind donations to charitable organizations that serve the homeless population, including those that provide much-needed socks; and
Whereas, It is appropriate that February 14 of each year be designated as "Socks for the Homeless Day" to help meet a basic need that, although simple, can make a significant difference in the daily life of an individual who is dealing with homelessness; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. February 14 of each year shall be designated as "Socks for the Homeless Day" in New Jersey to raise public awareness of homelessness and the ongoing need for socks by children, adults, and families who are homeless.
2. The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe "Socks for the Homeless Day" with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates February 14 of each year as "Socks for the Homeless Day" in the State to raise public awareness of homelessness and the ongoing need for socks by children, adults, and families who are homeless.
The number of homeless individuals in New Jersey totalled over 8,500 in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's January 2017 Point in Time survey. Clean socks are out of reach of those individuals, children, and families who are homeless either temporarily or on a long-term basis. Socks are a basic need, and help prevent frostbite, hypothermia, blisters, and ulcers, any of which if left untreated could potentially lead to the need for amputation, particularly when an individual's health is already compromised. Clean, well-made socks are essential to protect the skin and soft tissue of the feet from injury, help manage the moisture that is produced by glands in the feet, and protect the feet and toes from extreme temperatures. Clothing donations to organizations that support the homeless population are much appreciated and desperately needed, but rarely include socks.
The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe "Socks for the Homeless Day" with appropriate activities and programs.
Designates February 14 of each year as "Socks for the Homeless Day."
