Rep. Brown offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 261.

A resolution to declare November 16-24, 2013, as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, For the past several years, the National Coalition for the Homeless and National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness have sponsored National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week; and

Whereas, The purpose of the resolution is to educate the public about the many reasons why people are hungry and homeless, including the shortage of affordable housing in Michigan for very low income residents, and to encourage support for homeless assistance service providers as well as community service opportunities for students and school service organizations; and

         Whereas, There are many organizations committed to sheltering and providing supportive services as well as meals and food supplies to people experiencing homelessness including Huron and Tuscola County Homeless Coalition, Blue Water Center for Independent Living in Port Huron, and the Haven House in East Lansing; and

         Whereas, The theme of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week 2013 is “Bringing America Home”; and

         Whereas, The members of the Michigan House of Representatives recognize that hunger and homelessness continues to be a serious problem for many individuals and families in Michigan; and

Whereas, There are 86,189 homeless persons in Michigan. Fifty percent of those homeless in Michigan are adults and children in families and 69 percent of homeless families in Michigan are single mothers with children. Michigan is ranked fifth in the United States and first in the Midwest for number of homeless residents; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare November 16-24, 2013, as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That we encourage all citizens to recognize that many people do not have  

housing and need support from citizens and private/public nonprofit service entities.