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PR.1
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on October 23, 2001, by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Gioia, Gerber, DeSaulnier, Glover and Uilkema
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ACCEPTED the presentation to adopt Resolution No. 2001/518 conferring
the People Who Care Awards.
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of
an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
Attested: October 23,2001
John Sweeten,Clerk of the Board
of Supervisors and County Administrator
c
By: J" O
Deputy Clerk
OCT-18-2001 12:26 P.02
Contra vCounty
Hoineless
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'tae Julie Enea,Administration �\
From Keith Bussey, Homeless Program U
CC: Cynthia Belon, Homeless Program Director I
®oft 10/18/2001
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M People Who Care Awards
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The following are people and organizations that have(been—setesuen-10
receive the people Who Cam Award.
Individual Award(Presenfershould be Supervisor John Gioia)
1. Recipient: Susan Prather
Susan Prather has contributed extensively to the people of Contra Costa County
through her many activities. For nearly ten decades, she has advocated for the
rights of the homeless in Contra Costa County. Most recently she has been involved
with the City of Walnut Creek and is instrumental in facilitating the City's Fresh Start
program. Other projects coordinated by Ms. Prather include the development of a
Police Training Video in coordination with the Concord Police Department that teachs
police officers better ways to deal with and perhaps understand homelessness and
homeless people; the operation of the Advocacy Project, a volunteer effort that
provides a toll-free "800" number to homeless people in Contra Costa County. This
hotline is operable 24 hours per day, seven days a week and is funded by the West
County Gray Panthers. Susan works on many levels-she addresses the political
issues by advocating before politicians and bureaucrats, tracks complaints and
grievances, and works one on one with the people who, in some cases, service
providers could not work with. Over the years she has helped innumerable people
find housing, assisted them with travel expenses so that they may return to their
families, and help people find employment and retain their jobs. As a result of her
tireless hard work and unwavering commitment, Susan Prather has compiled an
impressive record of achievements, a record that has earned her the admiration and
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OCT-18-2001 12:26 P.03
respect of all who have had the privilege of associating with her. This is a
courageous advocate who deserves our continued support and recognition. The
most important result of Susan's efforts is the comfort she has brought to the many
people she has assisted in the last two decades. There are literally hundreds of
people who credit her for having assisted them in finding temporary shelter,
relocating, finding affordable housing, obtaining needed dental work, finding a much
needed job or just getting a hot meal or a shower. She has taught people to fight
back and encourages them to help one another.
Faith Award(Presenter should be Supervisor Gayle Ulkima)
2. Recipient: Louise Fix
Louise Fix was instrumental in the formation of the Contra Costa Interfaith
Transitional Housing, Inc. Because of her persistence and drive, this organization
was able to acquire its first project in Pleasant Hill, which will be ready for occupancy
by 28 formerly homeless families in summer 2002. As Chair Person of CCITH, has
brought 20-faith congregations including Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish groups in
Contra Costa County who have entered into a joint venture with Mercy Housing
California and raised over$3.25 Million dollars to fund CCIT's.project on Lisa Lane in
Pleasant Hill, California.
Individual(Presenter should be Supervisor Federal Glover)
3. Recipient: Jo Roby
Since 1993, Jo Roby has been as a Resource & Referral Counselor at the Contra
Costa Child Care Council. Her assistance with the County's parenting classes for the
homeless is immeasurable. She has asked, from co-workers, friends, family, local
stores, elementary schools, and succeeded in providing toys, clothing, shoes, and
backpacks for children living in the rotating shelters at Faith Communities within the
County. This year she has already taken a truckload of clothing and other supplies to
the Mountain View House in Martinez. She continues to work with the Toys for Tots
Program, United Way, and the KPIX HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS program to
ensure that all children of the homeless receive presents at Holiday Times. To say
that Jo Roby is an incredible woman is an understatement. She has found bicycles
for birthdays, food parcels at Thanksgiving, provided support &, understanding, and
found solutions for many of the less fortunate among us. I am Jo's supervisor here at
the Council. The Council continues to be amazed at Jo's dedication, determination,
organizational skills, and her ability to "get the job done." She is a source of
inspiration to us all.
June Harrison, Central Area Manager, Contra Costa Child Care Council
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OCT-18-2001 12:26
Business, (Presenter should be Mat*De Saulnier)
4. Recipient: Orchard Supply Hardware-Concord
This business has made it a practice to hire homeless individuals for entry-level jobs
(including disabled persons), helping overcome the barriers to housing. Many of
these individuals are people who have camped behind their store, as well as persons
referred by agencies such as FERST, Saint Vincent de Paul, Cambridge, and
Phoenix. The result of their effort shows community support and contributes to the
individual's ability to support him/herself and feel accepted by the community and be
able to care for themselves.
Qanizadon (Presenter should be Donna Gerber)
5. Recipient: HomeAid America
HomeAid America donated the labor and material to design and construct 20-unit
complex that we know as the East County Transitional Family Center opened by
Shelter Inc. This complex consists of 20 two and three bedroom apartments and a
2100 sq. ft. building that serves as an office, childcare, and job training facility for
those formerly homeless individuals that live on the site. They have provided the
opportunity for 20 families, to break the cycle of homelessness by creating a safe
haven while families are learning new skills that will stabilize their lives. Families
started moving in this past July. At present there are 14 families on site. Without the
support of HomeAid, these families and other parents and children who will access
this program in the future would continue to live on the streets.
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