WASHINGTON, March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, at the Second Annual National Summit for Jurisdictional Leaders, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) recognized Governor Jennifer M. Granholm with the "Every American Deserves A Home" award for her encouragement and leadership for Michigan's statewide Campaign to End Homelessness. Michigan's campaign includes dozens of complex strategies designed to eliminate barriers, streamline services and innovate solutions that will end homelessness as a costly social problem. "We must continue to fan the flames of compassion and come together in pursing a comprehensive strategy to end homelessness - because no person should have to suffer on the streets through a cold Michigan winter and no child's future should be threatened by missing school because she has no home," Granholm said. "As we work to revitalize our economy and build vibrant cities across the state, we must also have the will power, focus, and funding to confront today's epidemic of homelessness. I would like to thank Interagency Council on Homelessness for recognizing Michigan's efforts to end this tragic reality." Collecting the award for the Governor was Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Executive Director Michael R. DeVos. "This award recognizes the importance of the local planning efforts to end homelessness. Our state's effort is a mature one because we recognize that the work needs to happen at the local level," said DeVos. "We are very fortunate in Michigan that Governor Granholm has created a culture where her cabinet members are encouraged to take risks and select challenging goals." USICH Executive Director Philip F. Mangano rallied the attendees throughout the Summit with motivating messages. "Our work is to hasten the day when every American will have a home," said Mangano. "To bring remedy to the pain and misery of those experiencing homelessness is what we are about." The Summit, themed The Pursuit of Solutions, was inspired by the recent hit movie "The Pursuit of Happyness" starring Will Smith portraying the true life story of Chris Gardner. Gardner, who experienced homelessness as young man, was faced with overcoming a personal financial crisis while juggling an unpaid internship and the needs of his child. Gardner and his son regularly slept in a subway bathroom and other public spaces. To open the Summit on Wednesday evening those attending were able to visit with Gardner via a satellite feed, asking questions about what is next. Many wanted to know when and if Gardner could come to their city to inspire their communities for change. In 2005, before the movie was in production, Michigan invited Chris Gardner to address the Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing. His spirited and personal presentation was an inspiration to the 1,500 attendees, many of whom were front line homeless service workers. The USICH Second Annual National Summit for Jurisdictional Leaders was held at the Washington Press Club for representatives from across the country. MSHDA is a quasi-state agency that provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, and address homeless issues. MSHDA's loans and operating expenses are financed through the sale of tax-exempt and taxable bonds and notes to private investors, not from state tax revenues.
