In Honor of Paul Boden
In Honor of Paul Boden
February 1, 2005
Washington, DC - House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi gave the following remarks on the House floor in honor of Paul Boden, Executive Director of the San Francisco Coalition on Homelessness:
'Mr. Speaker, as Paul Bodenprepares to step down as Executive Directorof the San Francisco Coalition on Homelessness,I would like to thank him for his serviceto San Francisco?s homeless and mentally ill.Paul has been a tireless and thoughtful advocate,ensuring that city, State and nationalpolicies on homelessness reflect the diverseneeds of our population.
'In 1987, Paul founded the Coalition onHomelessness as an organization run by andfor the homeless. By hiring homeless and formerlyhomeless people, the Coalition both ensuredhomeless people had a voice in settingpolicies and empowered them with skills theycould use to help others.
'The Coalition?s accomplishments include thecreation of the Community Housing Partnership,the Treatment on Demand Program, theShelter Grievance Project, and the Continuumof Care Plan. In addition, the Coalition createdThe Street Sheet, a community newspaperhighlighting the work of homeless and formerlyhomeless people through writing, artwork, andpoetry.
'In addition to his work at the Coalition, Paulhelped strengthen many community organizationsby serving as a board member at theCommunity Housing Partnership, the CentralCity Hospitality House, and the National Coalitionon Homelessness. With the National Coalitionon Homelessness, he helped draft theBringing America Home Act, which was introducedin the 108th Congress and aims to endhomelessness in the United States.
'As he departs the Coalition on Homelessness,Paul is expanding his focus to the nationalpolicy debate on homelessness. We willmiss his leadership greatly at the Coalition,but it is heartening to know that the networkof homeless people, service providers, andadvocates he built will continue to act as avoice of conscience for the City of San Francisco.And I am certain that he will continue tomake enormous contributions to lifting thelives of the homeless.'