[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11684]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE DEDICATED SERVICE OF SOL FLORES

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 18, 2012

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, last week the White House honored 
leaders who have made a significant difference in the way their 
communities combat homelessness among children and youth. I am pleased 
that one of the 13 ``Champions of Change'' is Sol Flores, Executive 
Director of La Casa Norte in Chicago.
  Nearly one million American men, women and children are currently 
homeless. That is simply unacceptable, but progress is being made. 
Because of Sol's leadership of La Casa Norte, the city of Chicago--and 
the Humboldt Park neighborhood in particular--has seen a significant 
reduction in homelessness.
  Since founding La Casa Norte 10 years ago, Sol has made it her 
mission to serve youth and families facing homelessness. La Casa 
Norte's continuum of services to assist children, young adults, and 
families has proven incredibly successful. Eighty-four percent of youth 
leaving La Casa Norte's transitional housing program find permanent 
housing, and 87 percent of families who receive homeless prevention 
assistance maintain housing stability. The organization is a recognized 
leader in effective homeless prevention in the Chicago area and across 
the country.
  I thank Sol Flores for her tireless efforts to promote stable homes 
and stable communities, and I wish her continued success. Her 
leadership of La Casa Norte and dedication to eradicating homelessness 
are worthy of her distinction as a ``Champion of Change.''

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