[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 58 (Tuesday, May 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E786]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN RECOGNITION AND HONOR OF GREG BUNKER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 2011

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Greg 
Bunker and his remarkable leadership as Executive Director of the 
Francis House, a Sacramento-based homeless services agency. Greg passed 
away in December, and his contributions to Sacramento are being 
recognized at this year's Feast for the Streets fundraiser. For 21 
years, he was a tireless advocate for Sacramento's homeless population.
  Greg was a remarkable leader who inspired an entire community with 
his unrelenting optimism. He cared deeply about his work and the people 
around him. He will be sorely missed.
  Born in Ohio, Greg moved to California after serving in the Vietnam 
War. He intended to make a change in the world, and his unrelenting 
support for the needy allowed him to do so. He soon joined the Francis 
House and led it as it grew and prospered.
  Through the years, the Francis House has offered a wide range of 
services and resources for Sacramento's homeless population, and, 
because of Greg, it has become well-known in the Sacramento area and 
beyond as a non-profit that passionately fights for the needs of the 
homeless.
  Greg initiated a campaign for a safe place for the city's homeless, 
and he brought the issue of poverty to the forefront of the public's 
attention. For over two decades, he made sure that the thousands of 
people who needed help were not overlooked, and Sacramento is a better 
place because of him.
  Around 30,000 people come to the Francis House each year for 
assistance, and Greg's daily vigor and hunger for change was a blessing 
for them. Whether it was through transportation vouchers, emergency 
housing, or simply emotional support, Greg was always there to help.
  His sincere and long-term dedication to the homeless cause truly made 
a difference to many people. He never turned anyone away from the 
Francis House, and his kindness was a light for people who rarely 
encountered true compassion.
  Sadly, Greg passed away much too early in December. The outpouring of 
support has been inspiring, as the tens of thousands of people that he 
helped through the Francis House, as well as the countless others who 
have been touched by Greg's selflessness, have shown their gratitude to 
his family.
  In addition to Greg's achievements helping the homeless, he was a 
loving husband and father. I would like to recognize Greg's wife 
Stephanie and his two sons, Jesse and Simon, and express my sincere 
condolences for their loss.
  Mr. Speaker, I feel honored to join the many Sacramentans who are 
paying tribute to this incredible man. I ask all of my colleagues to 
join me in remembering Greg Bunker, and to continue his work by being 
passionate about helping those less fortunate.

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