[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 124 (Thursday, September 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1901]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FAMILY EMERGENCY SHELTER 
                               COALITION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 2006

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 20th 
anniversary of the Family Emergency Shelter Coalition (FESCO) in 
Hayward, California. In 1986 a group of Eden Area churches and 
businesses came together, through their mutual concern for homeless 
families, to form FESCO.
  FESCO incorporated in 1986 and in 1987 purchased and rehabilitated a 
2,200 square foot two-story house (built in 1917) near downtown Hayward 
and began serving homeless families in 1998. The shelter, later named 
Les Marquis House, accommodates eight to ten families at a time, with 
most staying an average of forty-two days before moving into permanent 
housing.
  Over time programs have been developed at FESCO to compliment their 
provision of basic food, shelter and clothing. FESCO's professional 
counseling, life skills training, children's programs, resettlement, 
employment and housing services have all been structured to meet the 
needs of homeless families to enable them to become self-sufficient.
  Volunteers also play a vital role in providing services to families 
at FESCO. They provide moral support, and donate their time and 
resources for fundraising activities and assistance with programs, such 
as Aftercare.
  Aftercare programs include Back-to-School backpack distribution, 
Thanksgiving food boxes, and a Holiday Adopt-a-Family program. Many in-
kind donations from individuals and corporate donors support the 
Aftercare program.
  In 1999, 3rd Street Transitional Housing, a four-unit apartment next 
door to the Shelter, opened to serve 4 families for longer-term stays 
of eighteen to twenty-four months. This facility provides independent 
living with a professional counseling safety net.
  In 2002, FESCO purchased, rebuilt and opened an 8 unit transitional 
co-housing facility. Banyan House provides food, shelter and services 
for eight families with stays from six to ten months while they prepare 
for self-sufficiency.
  Today, twenty-nine churches and a host of businesses are part of a 
community partnership contributing to FESCO's successful delivery of 
services. Eighty-five to one hundred families receive services from 
FESCO each year and approximately two hundred families are active in 
their Aftercare program.
  As FESCO celebrates twenty years of exemplary service, they continue 
to plan for the future. They are committed to providing encouragement, 
hope and a belief in the future for homeless families.
  Congratulations FESCO on your milestone anniversary and thank you for 
making a positive difference in our community.

                          ____________________