[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 196 (Monday, December 19, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2316]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING NATIONAL HOMELESS PERSONS' MEMORIAL DAY

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 19, 2011

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day, which will be observed on 
December 21, 2011. This day has been observed annually since 1990 to 
remember those who have lost their lives due to the tragedy of 
homelessness, and to bring attention to the need to end homelessness. 
Last December, the House of Representatives passed H. Con. Res. 325, a 
resolution that I introduced that supports the goals and ideals of 
National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day. I am proud to recognize this 
important day again this year, and express my deepest sympathies to 
those who have lost loved ones to this tragedy.
  The current state of our economy has greatly exacerbated national 
homelessness. It is estimated that over half a million people 
experience homelessness on any given night in the United States. Of 
those in the homeless population, 12 percent are veterans, and 17 
percent are considered chronically homeless. These numbers highlight 
the fact that we are witnessing a growing human rights crisis right 
here at home. This is a crisis that cannot be ignored.
  Mr. Speaker, as Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the Congressional 
Caucus on Homelessness, I understand that we must and can do more to 
end homelessness. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
National Homeless Persons' Memorial to prevent and end homelessness.

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