2016 -- S 2997

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LC005849

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING NOVEMBER 2, 2016, TO BE "HOMELESS AWARENESS DAY" IN THE

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     

     Introduced By: Senators Ciccone, Paiva Weed, Pichardo, Lombardo, and Lombardi

     Date Introduced: May 11, 2016

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

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     WHEREAS, Rhode Island "Homeless Awareness Day" is a day to raise awareness about

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homelessness, its dangers, its difficulties, its causes, and its effects; and

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     WHEREAS, Individuals of all ages and every race as well as entire families can

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experience homelessness. Dangerous weather, limited or no access to clean clothes, affordable

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shelter, food and even water are but a few of the obstacles they face on a daily basis; and

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     WHEREAS, Due to the overwhelming struggles faced by the homeless, the average age

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of death for a homeless person is 47, as compared to the average age of 77 for the general

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population; and

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     WHEREAS, Homelessness in not a choice. It can be caused by myriad events such as

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losing one's job, a lack of affordable housing, lack of healthcare or overwhelming healthcare

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costs, and mental health and addiction issues; and

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     WHEREAS, More than 4,000 people, including families and children, are homeless in

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Rhode Island; and

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     WHEREAS, Awareness, attention, and action can reduce the stigma and myths

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surrounding homelessness and can help to reduce the number of homeless in our state; now,

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therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

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hereby proclaims November 2, 2016, to be "Homeless Awareness Day" in our state. We

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furthermore urge all the citizens of this state to observe this occasion by taking time to learn more

 

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about the plight of the homeless in our state and to reflect on what you can do to lend a helping

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hand to those in need; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby commends the students of DelSesto Middle School

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for helping to raise awareness and encourage support for those who are homeless within our state;

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and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Ryan Connole, DelSesto Middle School.

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LC005849

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