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2018 SESSION

18104567D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 144
Offered February 15, 2018
Commending the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network.
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Patrons-- Favola and Ebbin
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WHEREAS, for 25 years, the nonprofit Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network has worked to end homelessness in Arlington County by providing meals, housing, medical care, and other services to individuals in need; and

WHEREAS, the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) traces its roots to the late 1980s, when two women began preparing and distributing meals for the homeless two nights a week; after learning of the various challenges faced by those on the streets, the founders started a grassroots organization to serve the homeless community; and

WHEREAS, today, A-SPAN has grown into an industry-leading organization that has over 30 staff members and a dedicated network of volunteers who provide outreach and support to Arlington County’s most vulnerable residents; and

WHEREAS, as a member of Arlington’s 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness and a partner in the Continuum of Care, A-SPAN works to place the chronically homeless in permanent housing and provide them with case management support and financial literacy training; through its Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Programs, the organization also strives to keep those at risk of homelessness from ending up on the street; and

WHEREAS, A-SPAN’s outreach and housing initiatives have helped contribute to an over 60 percent drop in homelessness in Arlington since 2013; in total, the organization has assisted 236 homeless individuals, families, and veterans in acquiring supportive housing; and

WHEREAS, other vital A-SPAN programs include a winter shelter, a day program and drop-in center, a nursing service, job training and internships, and a street services outreach team that gives clothing, blankets, medical kits, and other items to the homeless; each year, the organization distributes some 32,000 meals through its different services; and

WHEREAS, since 2015, A-SPAN has operated the Homeless Services Center (HSC), a state-of-the-art facility that houses all of its services, including a year-round shelter and the Medical Respite Program, which provides 1,300 free medical visits annually; and

WHEREAS, A-SPAN has received many awards and honors for its work, including the 2015 Board Leadership Award from the Center for Nonprofit Advancement, the Leadership Legacy Nonprofit Award from Leadership Arlington, the Nonprofit of the Year award from the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, and multiple James B. Hunter Human Rights Awards from the Arlington Human Rights Commission; and

WHEREAS, through the hard work and dedication of its staff and volunteers, A-SPAN has fostered meaningful, respectful relationships with Arlington’s homeless community and provided life-sustaining services and new opportunities for numerous individuals and families; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network for its service to the Arlington County community on the occasion of its 25th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for its tireless work to end homelessness.