[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 20 (Friday, February 8, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING HAZEL WEISS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 8, 2013

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
extraordinary career of Hazel Weiss as she retires from 29 years of 
service to the people of Alameda County, including her tireless efforts 
to provide permanent supportive housing and services for those in need. 
I join our community in celebrating the many ways in which her life's 
work has contributed to the success and wellbeing of countless people 
throughout the Bay Area and beyond.
  Holding a bachelor's degree in American Social Organization, a Master 
of Arts in Health Services Administration, and a Master of Science in 
Assistance Dog Education, Ms. Weiss has shaped a multi-faceted career, 
which has never ceased to offer creative solutions for vulnerable 
populations.
  Over the course of nearly three decades working with Alameda County, 
Ms. Weiss served as Senior Program Specialist for the Health Care 
Services Agency's Alcohol and Drug Programs Department; she was 
instrumental in creating sober living environments as Program Director 
for the Alameda County Shelter Plus Care Program; and was the Community 
Development Agency's Housing and Community Development Manager.
  Moreover, as Director of the National Shelter Plus Care Coalition, 
which she initiated in 1999, Ms. Weiss oversaw 300 national members 
advocating to secure full federal renewal funding to permanently house 
and support homeless people with disabilities. Among her myriad 
commitments, she administered funding for Housing Opportunities for 
People with AIDS (HOPWA) and served as a member of the Ryan White Care 
Act Community Care Planning Council.
  For many years, Ms. Weiss also served on the Planning Committee of 
Alameda County's annual Disability Employment conference, as well as on 
a variety of committees, commissions, and nonprofit boards of directors 
to promote disability awareness and the equal treatment of persons with 
disabilities. Ms. Weiss exercised the rare talent of fulfilling local 
needs while also promoting advocacy on a national scale. Her nationally 
recognized work in Supportive Housing for homeless people made her a 
familiar face at the Federal level, calling for increased funding and 
support.
  On a personal note, I was always impressed by Hazel's passion and 
vitality during her many visits to my Washington, DC office accompanied 
by her service dogs, first Hams, and later, Virgil. She is truly a 
remarkable woman who has gone above and beyond in working to make 
universal access to care and housing a reality for all.
  Her dedication to improving others' lives is evident from her 
countless community affiliations and activities, including her personal 
commitment to the City of Berkeley Commission on Disability, the 
Disability Constituency Committee for the California Department of 
Alcohol and Drug Programs, and the Board of Directors of Community 
Resources for Independent Living. In addition to being a published 
author, an adjunct faculty member and lecturer, and a volunteer for 
dog-related therapeutic programs, Ms. Weiss has spent her career 
leading bold initiatives for the common good. She has truly created 
pathways out of poverty while being a champion for equal opportunity 
and human dignity each day.
  On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional 
District, Ms. Hazel Weiss, I salute you for 29 years of outstanding 
service to Alameda County and people across this great nation. I 
congratulate and thank you for your unparalleled service to our 
community. You have touched many lives in profound ways throughout your 
career, and we wish you and your loved ones continued prosperity and 
happiness as you transition to this exciting new chapter of life.

                          ____________________