LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Homeless Alliance of Western New
York upon the occasion of celebrating its 22nd Anniversary of serving
the Buffalo community and Western New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions which and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Homeless Alliance of Western New York upon the occasion of celebrat-
ing its 22nd Anniversary of serving the Buffalo community and Western
New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1992, the Erie County Legislature created the Erie County
Commission on Homelessness to find ways to reduce homelessness in Erie
County; eight years later, the commission was incorporated as the Home-
less Alliance of Western New York (HAWNY); and
WHEREAS, In 2013, HAWNY merged with the Niagara County Continuum of
Care and it is now the Continuum of Care Lead for Buffalo, Niagara
Falls, Erie and Niagara Counties; they are also the Homeless Management
Information System Lead for these communities and Cattaraugus County;
and
WHEREAS, HAWNY has brought a significant amount in HUD funds over the
last five years to providers who serve those experiencing homelessness
which has helped to serve over 25,000 clients; and
WHEREAS, HAWNY has developed Opening Doors: Buffalo and Erie County
Plan to End Homelessness, and are currently working with their partners
to implement this plan; and
WHEREAS, HAWNY is an alliance of over 100 partners ranging from
service providers, government agencies, and the private sector all dedi-
cated to helping those who experience homelessness; and
WHEREAS, The partners which make up the Homeless Alliance provide over
1,100 permanent supportive housing beds, 500 transitional housing beds,
and over 500 emergency shelter beds in Erie and Niagara Counties; and
WHEREAS, HAWNY truly represents Western New York and recently merged
with Niagara County in 2013 to provide a regional approach to ending
homelessness; and
WHEREAS, HAWNY co-sponsored an Opportunities and Challenges Bus Tour
of Buffalo neighborhoods with the Partnership for Public Good which
showed the effects of disinvestment in parts of Buffalo and opportu-
nities for growth; last year, 360 people took part and enjoyed these bus
tours; and
WHEREAS, HAWNY has co-sponsored a Poverty Workshop in Niagara County
along with the Niagara County Coalition for Services to the Homeless
which was attended by 150 participants; and
WHEREAS, HAWNY co-sponsored the 5th Annual Poverty Research Conference
with the Partnership for Public Good and SUNY Buffalo's Office of Civic
Engagement & Public Policy Research Initiative which was attended by
over 200 participants; and
WHEREAS, HAWNY also co-sponsored Unheard Voices with the Ujima Company
and the Partnership for the Public Good where three low wage workers
tell their stories of life and working in poverty; two of these perform-
ances have been given and attended by over 200 people; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, HAWNY is a proud sponsor and organizer of Hands
Across Buffalo, an event dedicated to promoting racial unity and a
community commitment to better understanding race and poverty; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious event, to be held May 17, 2014, will feature
7,000 people joining hands across the length of Ferry Street from the
Niagara River to Bailey Avenue, a location chosen because it crosses
several racially and economically diverse neighborhoods and due to its
rich history, including the Underground Railroad; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commend HAWNY, the leading
advocate for those experiencing homelessness and poverty in Erie and
Niagara Counties, for all they do for the betterment of their community;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Homeless Alliance of Western New York upon the occasion of
celebrating its 22nd Anniversary of serving the Buffalo community and
Western New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Homeless Alliance of Western New York.