[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9544]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENDING THE SALVATION ARMY OF BROWARD COUNTY ON THE LAUNCH OF THE 
                           OPEN DOOR PROJECT

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 5, 2014

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
the Salvation Army of Broward County, Florida. In the coming week, the 
Salvation Army will launch the Open Door Project, a new homeless 
shelter in Fort Lauderdale that will focus on helping the chronically 
homeless.
  Our nation is currently faced with a harsh reality. Roughly 2 million 
Americans face homelessness every year. We have made great progress in 
reducing the number of Americans without a home, but there is much more 
to be done. The Open Door Project will be instrumental in helping 
vulnerable individuals in Broward County find shelter, support, and 
eventually, a permanent home.
  The Salvation Army of Broward County has been serving the South 
Florida community since 1926, tirelessly working to serve the needs of 
the less fortunate. The organization offers transitional housing, life-
skill training, and a structured support system to help individuals and 
families escape the cycle of homelessness. With the launch of the Open 
Door Project, the Salvation Army of Broward County has again 
demonstrated its dedication to providing resources for anyone grappling 
with homelessness in the Fort Lauderdale region.
  The Open Door Project is a low demand facility. All they ask of their 
guests is their name, and do not require more private information. This 
ensures that individuals suffering from drug and alcohol addiction, 
mental illness, or those who would otherwise avoid these services can 
still find a safe place to sleep for the night. By providing homeless 
individuals with a safe bed and a meal the following morning, the Open 
Door Project will build a system of trust, in hope that these 
individuals may be comfortable seeking further help in the future.
  Mr. Speaker, as the Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the Congressional 
Homelessness Caucus, I believe that ending homelessness must be one of 
our top priorities as a nation. Allowing men, women, and children to 
live on the streets is not a standard America should be willing to 
accept. I am pleased to offer my deepest appreciation and 
congratulations to the staff and volunteers of the Salvation Army as 
they continue in their mission to combat homelessness in Fort 
Lauderdale. I look forward to working with the Open Door Project in the 
future to advocate for those who so often cannot advocate for 
themselves.

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