[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 173 (Thursday, November 21, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S6718]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. CARMEN PORCO

  Ms. BALDWIN. Madam President, today I rise to honor the retirement of 
Rev.Dr. Carmen Porco following a 50-year career of dedicated service in 
Wisconsin communities. His tireless work advocating for access to 
housing and leading a multifront effort to fight poverty has touched 
thousands of lives across the State of Wisconsin.
  Reverend Dr. Porco grew up in a small town in West Virginia. In his 
youth, he saw his mother put some of her hard-earned money toward 
helping support those who lost their jobs in a steel mill layoff. 
Inspired by his mother's selflessness, Reverend Dr. Porco began his 
career of public service early in his life. At 19 years old, he moved 
to Milwaukee to intern for the Milwaukee Christian Center. His 
internship focused on conflict resolution between youth gangs but 
exposed him to the now historic marches calling for open housing 
legislation. Between 1967 and 1968, African-American teenagers lead by 
Father James Groppi marched for 200 nights throughout Milwaukee to 
advocate for fair housing. Reverend Dr. Porco joined those marches and 
in turn found a passion that shaped his entire career.
  Reverend Dr. Porco went on to develop and lead Housing Ministries of 
Wisconsin, which aims to move residents from public housing toward 
homeownership. Throughout his long and impressive career, Reverend Dr. 
Porco has fought to end poverty by supporting and uplifting the 
individuals affected by it. He helped improve the U.S. Department of 
Housing and Urban Development with his revolutionary housing model. The 
model recognizes the importance of fighting poverty on multiple fronts 
by including opportunities for education and personal growth. Reverend 
Dr. Porco's housing model has since been implemented in over 800 units 
of section 8 housing across Wisconsin.
  One of the properties managed by Reverend Dr. Porco was Greentree-
Teutonia Community Learning Center in Milwaukee. To the 700 people who 
call Greentree home, the center offers more than just shelter. 
Greentree also provides education, job training, and other support 
programs. Despite roadblocks, Greentree has been immensely successful 
thanks to the dedication of leaders like Reverend Dr. Porco. The 
success of his programs shows the power of Reverend Dr. Porco's 
wholistic approach to combatting poverty.
  Reverend Dr. Porco has been rightfully honored for his efforts on 
many levels. In 2006, he earned the prestigious Champions of Change 
award from the George W. Bush administration, acknowledging his 
extraordinary effort to end housing insecurity in Wisconsin 
communities. He also earned the 2020 Hometown Hero award from the 
Wisconsin State Assembly for his decades of advocacy and the 2017 Dane 
County Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award, for upholding the 
values of the civil rights legend. In 2019, the nonprofit organization 
Center on Business and Poverty dedicated a faculty chair to his name, 
housed at the University of Oxford in England.
  Reverend Dr. Porco has been a leading voice in equitable housing 
solutions for over 50 years. He has advocated with a tireless 
compassion, determination, and intellect--never ceasing in his service 
of those in need. Today, as Reverend Dr. Porco moves into retirement, 
he leaves a legacy of service that will not be forgotten. I am proud to 
join others across Wisconsin in honoring his career and lifetime of 
service.

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