WHEREAS, Caregivers provide stability and a wide range of support to our most vulnerable neighbors including children, the elderly, and people with intellectual, physical, or emotional challenges; and
WHEREAS, In the United States, caregivers, both paid and unpaid, provide an estimated $450 billion in services each year; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that 34 million family caregivers in the United States provide uncompensated care; and
WHEREAS, Two out of every five home care attendants live in poverty and on unsustainable wages; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that 5.5 million caregivers in the United States provide military members and veterans who are wounded or ill with comprehensive and critical services, helping heal those who have risked their lives for our country; and
WHEREAS, Caregivers who step up to the plate based on their profession or family ties give of their own time and well-being so that others may live their fullest lives with dignity and independence; and
WHEREAS, Caregivers remind us that one of life’s greatest gifts is to be able to support and recognize the humanity of our neighbors; and
WHEREAS, Caregivers’ daily work is a testament to the generosity and grace that help fuel a more humane and just society; and
WHEREAS, Many caregivers are on the forefront of the equity and justice movements, and are currently leading the ‘fight for $15’ and other efforts to make care work sustainable; and
WHEREAS, Caregivers are unsung heroes who hold families and communities together, provide immense emotional and physical labor, and are too seldom applauded for the sacrifices they make every day; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes and honors the heroic efforts of caregivers and observes February 17, 2017 as National Caregivers Day.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be sent to the United Home Care Workers of Pennsylvania as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.
End