19th Annual McKinney-Vento Awards to Honor NFL Player Vernon Davis and U.S. Senator Cory Booker
(October 24, 2017 – (RealEstateRama) — Washington, D.C.) Vernon Davis of the National Football League (NFL) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) will be honored tonight by the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (Law Center) at the 19th Annual McKinney-Vento Awards for their efforts to end homelessness in America.
Davis, tight end for the Washington Redskins, will receive the Stewart B. McKinney Award in recognition of his work off the football field to raise awareness of homelessness by leading food and clothing drives in Washington, D.C., and influencing others to join in the fight against homelessness.
Senator Booker will receive the Bruce F. Vento award in recognition of his work toward economic justice and equity in education. Senator Booker was a leader in passing the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which makes it possible for children across the country who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity to continue their education.
In addition to Davis and Senator Booker, the law firm of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP will receive the Pro Bono Counsel Award, and activist Juanita Rocha from Laredo, Texas will receive the Personal Achievement Award for defending her children’s right to education.
“Our awardees have exemplified tremendous effort in combatting the crisis of homelessness,” said Law Center Founder and Executive Director Maria Foscarinis. “Ending an urgent problem such as homelessness requires everyone—from community members to law firms, influential leaders to policymakers. Everyone has to do their part, and our awardees are outstanding examples of going above and beyond.”
The annual awards pay tribute to two past Congressional leaders, Stewart B. McKinney and Bruce F. Vento, co-sponsors of the McKinney-Vento Act. This year marks the 30 th anniversary of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which was the first piece of federal legislation passed to address the crisis of homelessness
The awards reception will take place at the Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel at 6:00 p.m., with the awards ceremony beginning at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.nlchp.org/mvawards.
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The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (NLCHP) is the only national organization dedicated solely to using the power of the law to prevent and end homelessness. With the support of a large network of pro bono lawyers, we address the immediate and long-term needs of people who are homeless or at risk through outreach and training, advocacy, impact litigation, and public education.
Contact: Maggie Ardiente
Communications Director
202-638-2535 ext. 108
