Thank You to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners for Their Proclamation for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month!
There are an estimated 2,785 homeless in Lee County. The homeless count completed in January 2017 indicated that of the sampling, 15.08% were chronic homeless, 3.25% were veterans, 35.5% reported having a disabling condition and among the 431 sampled were 38 families with 70 children; and
Whereas, the primary cause of homelessness is poverty and the lack of housing that is affordable to very low-income people, further complicated by domestic violence, substance abuse and mental illness; and
Whereas, the mission of the Lee County Homeless Coalition is to advocate, educate, and promote awareness of issues and obstacles facing homeless individuals in Lee County through community collaboration, planning and implementing solutions; and
Whereas, the month of November is designated as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month to educate the public and bring awareness to the needs of the homeless; and
Whereas, the Lee County Homeless Coalition will sponsor several events during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month to promote awareness in the community and to encourage support for homeless assistance service providers; and
Whereas, the Lee County Homeless Coalition will sponsor the “Homeless Challenge – Walk a Mile in their Shoes” as an educational program providing awareness to those who participate. During this event participants will become familiar with the social services network and methods of everyday survival for those who live on the streets. This Challenge will provide an experience that has the power to effect change.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby proclaim the month of November 2017 as “HUNGER and HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS MONTH” in Lee County and recognizes that this is a month of special importance and encourages all citizens to recognize that many people do not have housing and need support from citizens, and public/private nonprofit service entities.
