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| 2007 McKinney-Vento Awards |  |
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Wednesday, October 24, 2007 Envisioning the Future: Reflecting on twenty years of the McKinney-Vento Act If you have any questions, please contact: The McKinney-Vento Awards recognize individuals or organizations for leadership in advancing solutions to end homelessness and poverty. This year we presented the 2007 Stewart B. McKinney Award to Senator Jack Reed for his long-time commitment and advocacy on behalf of low-income and homeless Americans. Because of his role in supporting the McKinney-Vento Act, the 20th anniversary year of that landmark legislation is an especially appropriate time to recognize his commitment to ending and preventing homelessness.Etan Thomas, of the Washington Wizards, and Judge Jay Zainey, U.S. District Court Judge, both received the 2007 Bruce F. Vento Award. Mr. Thomas is a relentless advocate for the rights of homeless and low-income men, women, and children and he also raised significant resources for Hurricane Katrina relief. Judge Zainey organized the Homeless Experience Legal Protection (H.E.L.P.) Program, in which attorneys provide legal consultation and notary services at homeless centers in New Orleans. Plans are underway to start H.E.L.P. programs throughout the country, and to set up a national network working with existing local programs, and with the support of a new collaboration between H.E.L.P and NLCHP. The 2007 Pro Bono Counsel Award went to Covington & Burling LLP because of the firm's role in securing enactment of the McKinney-Vento Act in 1987 and for its two decades of commitment to ending homelessness in the United States.
NLCHP awarded Rickie Slaughter the 2007 Personal Achievement Award. Mr. Slaughter began using drugs as a soldier during the Vietnam War as a relief for the stress of combat. After returning from the war, he fell into a two-decade struggle with drugs and homelessness. He eventually found his way to New Directions, Inc., a rehabilitation facility specifically targeted to homeless veterans. Mr. Slaughter not only graduated from their program, but became a New Directions staff member and a certified Drug Addictions Recovery Specialist. Sponsors Presenting Sponsor
Event
Sponsor
Leadership Circle - $15,000 to $24,999
Advocate - $5,000 to $14,999
Bruce E. Rosenblum |
