HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESOLUTIONS - 01011999 - 1999-562 The
Board of Supervisors
Of Contra Costa County
RESOLUTION NO. 99/562
In the Matter of
Proclaiming the month of November 1999 as"Homeless Awareness Month"in Contra Costa County
WHEREAS,no one should be homeless or hungry in Contra Costa County but are; and
WHEREAS,Contra Costa County believes that everyone has a basic human right to housing; and
WHEREAS,the rise in homelessness over the past decade is largely due to a growing shortage of affordable
housing,especially housing for those of the lowest incomes; and
WHEREAS,for an increasing number of people in Contra Costa County,work provides no escape from,
poverty. The number of people at risk of homelessness is increasing;and
WHEREAS,homelessness,poverty and hunger are inescapably linked. Poor and low-income individuals
and families are all too often unable to pay for housing,utilities,food,childcare,health care,and education.
Difficult choices must often be made when resources are limited and will only cover some of the necessities.
Often it is housing,which absorbs a high proportion of income,that must be dropped; and
WHEREAS,the demand for assisted housing clearly exceeds the supply. Excessive waiting lists for public
housing exists which means that people must find shelter elsewhere or live on the streets,and
WHEREAS,battered women and their children are often forced to choose between abusive relationships and
homelessness; and
WHEREAS,homeless and runaway youth is a unique population which experiences many challenges and
the demand for homeless runaway youth services is greater than the capacity of current agencies to serve
them; and
WHEREAS,being poor or low-income means being an illness,an accident,or a paycheck away from being
hungry and living on the streets;and
WHEREAS,there are many community,non-profit and faith groups in the county that should be recognized
for their efforts of addressing homeless and housing issues;and
WHEREAS,we need all segments of the many communities within ccmtra Costa County to address the
issues of homelessness and hunger. We need everyone's help and involvement if there is to be a difference in
these people's lives;and
NOW,THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,that the Board of Supervisors does hereby proclaim November
1999,as Homeless Awareness Month in Contra Costa County and calls upon all citizens,government
agencies,elected officials,businesses and private institutions,non-profit agencies,religious communities,
and schools to assist with homelessness by encouraging dialogue,supporting community efforts,and
responding compassionately to people who are homeless.
PASSED by unanimous vote of the Board Members present on this 21 day of November.
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: Al4vem be.-
PHIL BATCHELOR, Clerk of the Board
of Supervisors and County Administrator
By Deputy
Resolution No. 99/562