Lost in all the hubbub and hoopla of the recent Democratic convention was an event of perhaps even more significance, at least to people who don't have a roof over the heads when they go to sleep at night.

It took place at the Los Angeles Public Library and honored HUD Sec. Andrew Cuomo and Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., for their efforts toward ending homelessness in America.

"As the Nation's attention is focused on the activities of the Democratic Convention, we have a unique opportunity to shed light on this important issue and recognize the policymakers who have been effective advocates for the homeless community," Nan Roman, president of the Washington-based National Alliance to End Homelessness, said during the ceremony.

"Homelessness is something we all think we understand because we see it every day. Yet through the work of these two individuals, we have gained a new understanding on the problem and its solutions."

Throughout his professional career, Sec. Cuomo has been committed to helping the homeless. In 1986, he founded Housing Enterprise for the Less Privileged (HELP), which grew to become the nation's largest private provider of transitional housing for homeless people. And through his work as head of the New York City Commission on the Homeless and later at HUD, he has overseen policies that have ended homelessness for millions of people.

Sen. Kerry also has demonstrated a commitment to policies that prevent people from becoming homeless and help others end their plight throughout his career as well. As the ranking Democrat on the Senate Housing and Transportation Subcommittee, he has been active in the effort to ensure adequate resources to help the homeless and to increase the supply of affordable housing.

Published: August 23, 2000

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