[Page: E2465]

---

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the staff and volunteers of the Cathedral Square Homeless Program and the services they provide in Sacramento. Two years ago representatives of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Cathedral St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Downtown Partnership, the California State Association of Counties, and the Pyramid Alehouse created this innovative program to help find housing for those in need. Their spirit and dedication is evident in every life they touch. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring some of Sacramento's finest citizens and this wonderful program.

In 2005, local residents, churchgoers and business leaders saw that homeless men and women were sleeping on the steps of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in downtown Sacramento. They then counted that over 60 homeless people were sleeping on the downtown streets each night and decided to take action.

To help the less fortunate, the Cathedral Square Homeless program was created. Administered by the Cathedral St. Vincent de Paul Society and partnered by the Sisters of Mercy, the California State Association of Counties, the Downtown Partnership and the Pyramid Alehouse, the program began providing homeless individuals with a bed in a warm house, clothing, bus passes, food, and necessary tools to achieve a self-sufficient life. This program is designed to allow individuals to become self-sufficient in 3 months.

The efforts of the volunteers who make this program work are truly admirable, and they have had some remarkable success stories. A particular gentleman entered into the program right after its inception in December of 2005. He had been homeless for 7 long and trying years. With the help of the Cathedral Square Homeless Program he was able to have a steady place to live. He was given clean clothes and help with his transportation needs. That allowed him to have the stability to apply and interview for a variety of jobs. Within 3 months, he had secured a job and has been working ever since.

The Cathedral Square Homeless Program receives a great deal of support from the Sacramento community. The Sacramento Festival of Trees is a non-profit, interfaith, community-based volunteer organization that supports this program. This year, with the help of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, East Lawn Funeral Homes and Cemeteries, Sisters of Mercy, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the Downtown Partnership, the Interfaith Services Bureau, Westfield Downtown Plaza, and Westminster Presbyterian Church, they are hosting the first Festival of Trees and Lights. Community organizations have decorated and donated artificial holiday trees, which will be displayed during the festival. Members of the community will be invited to participate in a silent auction to purchase a tree for their home, office, or as a gift. All donations and proceeds will benefit the Cathedral Square Homeless Program.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the Cathedral Square Homeless Program's unwavering commitment to the well-being of Sacramento's homeless. Over the past 2-years, their success stories have been truly inspiring. As members of the Sacramento community gather at the Festival of Trees and Lights fundraiser, I ask my colleagues to come together and honor the tireless dedication shown by the Cathedral Square Homeless Program's staff and volunteers in providing aid for those less fortunate.