November 2020: Homeless Awareness Month

WHEREAS, according to the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness, last year, more than 61,000 citizens throughout Michigan experienced homelessness; and,

 

WHEREAS, 10,548 households with 15,577 children were homeless in 2019; and,

 

WHEREAS, the racial disparities found within those experiencing homelessness is staggering, with Black individuals accounting for 52% of our total homeless population in 2019 but only 14% of our state’s total population; and,

 

WHEREAS, too many families are affected by homelessness or are at-risk of having inadequate or unstable housing, with 60.5% of Arab Americans, 57.7% of Black Americans, and 52.5% of American Indians paying more than 30% of their income on rent between 2011-2015; and,

 

WHEREAS, unstable housing continues to be a significant community issue especially during the COVID-19 pandemic; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the governor-appointed Interagency Council on Homelessness, the Michigan Homeless Policy Council, and the Campaign to End Homelessness are some of the many dedicated organizations in our state whose efforts continue to make a difference in the lives of many homeless residents in our communities; and,

 

WHEREAS, during this month, we should show our gratitude for the tireless work of our front-line staff serving those experiencing homelessness during a global pandemic in recognition of the 2020 theme “Home is Essential;”  

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2020 as Homeless Awareness Month in Michigan.