When access to housing is reduced or denied due to personal circumstance or specific barriers, we believe it is incumbent upon the Council to call out and acknowledge the outstanding efforts and commitment of individuals and organizations in Clark County whose actions bring aid, comfort and hope to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

Since the inaugural event in 2000, the "Hope & Action Recognition Awards Luncheon" has focused attention on the issues of homelessness in our community, and acknowledged and affirmed the efforts made by those who have shown leadership, provided sustaining financial support, contributed extraordinary voluntary service on behalf of people experiencing homelessness, who have been outspoken in their advocacy, or who have given extraordinary time, energy and commitment to aid the Council in its work.

Each spring, the Council calls for nominations from the community to recommend those who should be honored for their efforts and/or contributions. Nominations are reviewed by a board committee, and honorees selected. View past honorees here.

The 10th Annual Hope & Action Recognition Awards Luncheon were held Friday, September 25th at the Hilton Vancouver. Nominations for this year’s awards closed on June 2nd, and the committee announced the 2009 Recognition Awards honorees: Gayle Rothrock, first Executive Director of the Council for the Homeless; Geri Hiller and Joy Gault, Volunteer Winter Hospitality Overflow Shelter Coordinators; Becky Taylor, Lake Shore Elementary (Vancouver School District); Alicia Dumlao, Emergency Shelter Clearinghouse Volunteer; Dr. Suzanne Zamberlan, O.D. and John Zamberlan, Project Homeless Connect; and, Dr. Shelby Wickhorst, O.D., Project Homeless Connect. Congratulations to this year's honorees, and thanks to all of those who submitted nominations, and those whose names were placed in nomination.

This year’s luncheon keynote speaker was Dr. Ross A. Thompson, Ph.D., professor of Psychology at the University of California at Davis, specializing in early childhood psychological development.

He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2007 Ann Brown Award for Excellence in Developmental Research. Authoring and editor ofseveral books and publications, he is a founding member of the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, and was a member of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Integrating the Science of Early Childhood Development which produced From Neurons to Neighborhoods (National Academy Press, 2000).

Dr. Thompson gave an insightful look at how homelessness affects children. He spoke about the dangers of 'toxic stress' on the developing brains of young children, using multimedia to show the actual differences in the neural networks of children exposed to persistent toxic stress, against those of children who were not exposed to the same levels of stress, and drawing the conclusion that a toxic blend of problems that can form the foundation for a troubled brain and a difficult life. However, hope is not lost because scientists and educators recognize the need to address this phenomena to create a more healthy society.

Proceeds from Recognition Luncheon sponsorship will help support the Emergency Shelter Clearinghouse, Community Voice Mail and Community Housing programs of the Council, to outreach, education and advocacy efforts, and to other special projects of the Council. Sponsorship signifies commitment to ending homelessness in Clark County. Our profound thanks to the following businesses, organizations, agencies and individuals who sponsored this year's luncheon: Cheryl and David Pfaff, City of Vancouver, Clark County Department of Community Services, First Independent, Key Property Services, Underwriters Laboratories, Vancouver Housing Authority and West Coast Bank. For more complete coverage of the 2009 Recognition Awards Luncheon, please refer to the article that appeared in the Columbian.