CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE CALLS FOR A WORKABLE SOLUTION TO HOUSING THE MENTALLY ILL

“Today I stand before you on behalf of over 318 constituents of the 18th Congressional District and 600 total Houstonians who rely on the center serving persons with mental retardation who are among our most vulnerable citizens.  I am hopeful that all parties involved will understand the importance of taking care of those who cannot take care of themselves. Yes, it is important to expand the city’s economy and provide services for all the taxpayers; however, when the need to care for the disabled buttresses financial concerns such as making sound financial investments to expand the economy, we must understand the value in investing in the care of our disabled.

“As we all know, the Center Serving Persons with Mental Retardation (The Center) is a private not-for-profit United Way Agency, which has for more than 60 years served children and adults through educational, residential and work training programs. The philosophy of The Center is that every person has value and worth, is entitled to the highest quality of life, and should be treated with dignity.

“From a visionary group grew a multi-faceted organization serving a diverse group of people with a wide range of needs. Underlying The Center’s broad array of programs and services is a guiding principle that is disarming in its simplicity: the conviction that persons with mental retardation, given opportunities for personal growth, community involvement, and the exercise of individual choice may live rewarding, fulfilling lives as growing, developing human beings.

“I have long been a strong advocate of the mentally disabled, both in terms of legislation in Congress and to the residents of our beloved city.  The Houston community has a moral and social responsibility to allow the Center Serving Persons with Mental Retardation to remain in its’ current location. They represent the most vulnerable among us who deserve our unequivocal support, and for over 40 years, the Center has provided that support.

“As I stated earlier, more than 600 Houstonians rely on the Center.  The Center, which has a budget of $11 million, offers a wide array of programs including education, vocational training and job placement services.  Likewise, with close to 200 adults residing at the facility, forcing the Center to move does not seem to be an optimal alternative.

“In 2002, the Center began the process of renewing its lease. Unfortunately, the negotiations were never finalized and a deal was not reached.  We are all seeking a reasonable resolution of this matter.  I encourage all of our civic and community leaders to join me in reinvigorating that effort.

“My commitment to the mentally disabled is sincere, steadfast, and unwavering.  Thank you for your consideration, and please contact me if I can be of further assistance in the expeditious handling of this important matter.”

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