LANSING, Mich. (Nov. 10, 2021) — Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D–Beverly Hills) and Rep. Brenda Carter (D–Pontiac) have introduced resolutions in the Michigan Senate and House, respectively, to recognize November 2021 as Poverty and Homelessness Awareness Month in Michigan.
Senate Resolution 95 and House Resolution 190 call on Michigan’s elected officials to bring attention to a topic not often discussed, but one that the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness reported affects more than 8,000 Michiganders on any given day.
“Michigan children and families have faced significant obstacles these past few years, due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, due to the loss of a home or livelihood, many of our residents find themselves on the brink of homelessness and poverty, leaving those of us in government with the responsibility to act,” Sen. Bayer said. “I hope this resolution spurs the discussions and actions needed to respond to this distressing situation. I stand ready to work with my legislative colleagues in delivering relief and assurance to the people of Michigan.”
And, when it comes to Michigan’s student population, a report from Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan found that in 2015-16 school year, Michigan ranked sixth out of all 50 states for the most homeless students in the nation.
“Poverty and homelessness know no gender, no race, no age, no region,” said Rep. Carter (D-Pontiac), co-chair of the Poverty and Homelessness Caucus. “They can affect all of us and could happen to any one of us. I’m glad we were all able to come together to bring awareness to poverty and homelessness in Michigan while advocating for policies, resources, and programs to fight against it. This resolution brings us one step closer to ensuring every Michigander has a roof over their heads and food on their tables.”
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