Declare Homelessness Awareness Week

Senate Resolution No. 90 BY: Senator PERSAUD MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 17-23, 2025, as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to help increase awareness of serious issues that affect the lives of many citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 17-23, 2025, as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week; and WHEREAS, In 1975, Villanova University hosted the first National Hunger and Homelessness Week; since then, universities, colleges, high schools and organizations across the United States host events in their communities to increase awareness about the daily effects of hunger and homelessness; and WHEREAS, This vital initiative week focuses on giving and caring the week before Thanksgiving, and the observance serves as a reminder that hunger and homelessness do not stop for the holidays but continue all year long; and WHEREAS, In the United States, 43.1 million citizens are living below the poverty line, one in five of those being children; circumstantially, just over half a million people have nowhere to sleep at night; and WHEREAS, Hunger and Homelessness are grave concerns for the State of New York; it is essential to eliminate these serious concerns and to increase public awareness of the extent to which they exist; and WHEREAS, According to Feeding America, there are more than 2.6 million New Yorkers, or one in eight people, who are considered food insecure, meaning they do not have enough food to live a healthy life; and WHEREAS, For the youngest residents of the State of New York, food insecurity is more prevalent, affecting one in five children; furthermore, as of 2018, New York State has an estimated 91,897 citizens experiencing homelessness on any given day; and WHEREAS, The State of New York is fully committed to bringing awareness to solving hunger and homelessness in all its communities, as well as providing necessary resources to residents in need; and WHEREAS, New York is committed to working with food pantries, shelters, and other service organizations which need support; these organizations provide food, secure places to sleep, and other aids to those who need it the most; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 17-23, 2025, as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.