[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 114 (Friday, August 2, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN RECOGNITION OF KITTY LOPEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 2013

  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a remarkable leader in San 
Mateo County, Kitty Lopez, as she leaves Samaritan House, the linchpin 
of nonprofit social services in central and southern San Mateo County.
  For 12 years Kitty Lopez has guided Samaritan House placing it on 
solid footing and expanding its efforts to help those who are 
struggling. Under her leadership over 12,000 residents receive 
assistance with food, medical services, clothing, and counseling 
annually. Kitty shepherded the expansion of a dental clinic, and she 
has been equally adept at expanding the number of appointments 
available through the medical clinic at Samaritan House. This expansion 
took pressure off of the emergency room of our county hospital and 
delivered quality examinations to thousands.
  Kitty's spirit never seems to wane. She can always be found smiling 
and trying to figure out a way to stretch a penny, even when it's 
someone else's penny. For example, Kitty forged a partnership between 
Samaritan House and the United Way of the Bay Area to provide tax 
preparation services to low income residents of our county through 
volunteer tax preparers. She helped residents stretch their pennies 
when she allowed Samaritan House to organize an online listing of 
apartments and shared homes. Through the leadership team at Samaritan 
House, these online listings are gradually becoming the go-to place for 
residents who struggle to find a place for themselves and their 
families. Of course, each day the food pantry of Samaritan House helps 
residents feed themselves and their children. Many who use the food 
pantry are elderly, and during the recession many newcomers made their 
way to the door's of Kitty's facility, having heard that food and 
dignity were offered for free within its walls.
  One of the most significant undertakings of Samaritan House is the 
operation of our county's homeless shelter located in South San 
Francisco. A 90 beds facility is available nightly for persons who wish 
to make progress towards self-sufficiency. Kitty's dedication to 
sheltering the homeless is made concrete in the way in which her team 
runs the shelter. This homeless shelter has rules and it is safe and 
orderly.
  All services of Samaritan House are provided free of charge to 
clients. Kitty insists upon accountability, and her staff tracks the 
outcomes of efforts to help residents find jobs, housing and to become 
self-sufficient. The $9 million annual budget she has responsibility 
over performs the work of an $18 million budget in any other 
organization, and her team of 41 full-time staff and 31 part-time, 
seasonal employees make every client feel welcomed. Kitty has 
consistently shown vision and accountability in operating this 
magnificent program.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me to 
honor Kitty Lopez, the Executive Director of Samaritan House who leaves 
the helm after 12 years of energetic and creative leadership. We wish 
Kitty continued inspiring success as she moves on to lead First 5 San 
Mateo County. Her imprint on the community will only grow larger. Her 
legacy is therefore enduring, and this is perhaps her greatest 
contribution of all to the community.

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