[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 184 (Tuesday, December 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           A TRIBUTE TO THE CATHEDRAL SQUARE HOMELESS PROGRAM

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                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 4, 2007

  Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the staff 
and volunteers of the Cathedral Square Homeless Program and the 
services they provide in Sacramento. Two years ago representatives of 
the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Cathedral St. Vincent de Paul 
Society, the Downtown Partnership, the California State Association of 
Counties, and the Pyramid Alehouse created this innovative program to 
help find housing for those in need. Their spirit and dedication is 
evident in every life they touch. I ask all my colleagues to join me in 
honoring some of Sacramento's finest citizens and this wonderful 
program.
  In 2005, local residents, churchgoers and business leaders saw that 
homeless men and women were sleeping on the steps of the Cathedral of 
the Blessed Sacrament in downtown Sacramento. They then counted that 
over 60 homeless people were sleeping on the downtown streets each 
night and decided to take action.
  To help the less fortunate, the Cathedral Square Homeless program was 
created. Administered by the Cathedral St. Vincent de Paul Society and 
partnered by the Sisters of Mercy, the California State Association of 
Counties, the Downtown Partnership and the Pyramid Alehouse, the 
program began providing homeless individuals with a bed in a warm 
house, clothing, bus passes, food, and necessary tools to achieve a 
self-sufficient life. This program is designed to allow individuals to 
become self-sufficient in 3 months.
  The efforts of the volunteers who make this program work are truly 
admirable, and they have had some remarkable success stories. A 
particular gentleman entered into the program right after its inception 
in December of 2005. He had been homeless for 7 long and trying years. 
With the help of the Cathedral Square Homeless Program he was able to 
have a steady place to live. He was given clean clothes and help with 
his transportation needs. That allowed him to have the stability to 
apply and interview for a variety of jobs. Within 3 months, he had 
secured a job and has been working ever since.
  The Cathedral Square Homeless Program receives a great deal of 
support from the Sacramento community. The Sacramento Festival of Trees 
is a non-profit, interfaith, community-based volunteer organization 
that supports this program. This year, with the help of the Cathedral 
of the Blessed Sacrament, East Lawn Funeral Homes and Cemeteries, 
Sisters of Mercy, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the 
Downtown Partnership, the Interfaith Services Bureau, Westfield 
Downtown Plaza, and Westminster Presbyterian Church, they are hosting 
the first Festival of Trees and Lights. Community organizations have 
decorated and donated artificial holiday trees, which will be displayed 
during the festival. Members of the community will be invited to 
participate in a silent auction to purchase a tree for their home, 
office, or as a gift. All donations and proceeds will benefit the 
Cathedral Square Homeless Program.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the Cathedral Square 
Homeless Program's unwavering commitment to the well-being of 
Sacramento's homeless. Over the past 2-years, their success stories 
have been truly inspiring. As members of the Sacramento community 
gather at the Festival of Trees and Lights fundraiser, I ask my 
colleagues to come together and honor the tireless dedication shown by 
the Cathedral Square Homeless Program's staff and volunteers in 
providing aid for those less fortunate.

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