For immediate release: June 20, 2016
Contact: Nicholas Solorzano, 512-978-2151 or
Valerie Romness, Dir. Of Challenger Street Newspaper, 512-560-4735
 
Mayor Adler and Council Member Renteria Kick-Off Homelessness Awareness Roadshow
 
AUSTIN— This Tuesday, Mayor Steve Adler and Council Member Sabino “Pio” Renteria will present a city proclamation and kick off a homelessness awareness campaign from the atrium of City Hall.
 
This will be the first in a long series of events being held by the Challenger Street Newspaper, as part of the “Homer the (formerly homeless) Goose” Roadshow, to shed light on issues facing the homeless community.
 
Background:
 
“Homer the (formerly homeless) Goose” was a mascot to homeless activists for nearly three decades during which he helped bring attention to their struggles.
 
In 1988, several activists, including Lori Cervenak-Renteria, grew frustrated at actions by City officials to prioritize the protection of certain endangered birds over the people living on the streets. The group raised 17 dollars and bought a Chinese goose which began a story worthy of Austin.
 
In a controversial move to raise public awareness about the plight of the underserved homeless population, several homeless activists threatened to kill and eat Homer. The activists demanded a meeting with City leaders to discuss their concerns and promised to move forward with their threat if were ignored. The caring pet owners and animals lovers in Austin were outraged, and residents across Austin joined together to call on City officials to grant a meeting.
 
Together City leaders and homeless activists collaborated to find solutions to address the growing problem. As an activist mascot, Homer went on to attend countless protests, rallies and city council meetings. He made television appearances, had a song penned about him by folk singer Todd Samusson and was even flown first-class to the 1988 Democratic National Convention where he met Jessi Jackson, Mayor Andrew Young, and First Lady Rosalyn Carter. Homer the Goose lived 27 years as an unwavering activist pet until his death last year at the Austin Zoo.
 
The Challenger Street Newspaper plans to make a stuffed Homer their goodwill ambassador taking him on a Road Show to schools, churches, and non-profits to tell his story and to help individuals understand that each one of us can do something to help homeless people and that while we enjoy life in one of the most prosperous cities in the world, many of our brothers and sisters go to bed hungry and unsheltered.
 
 
What: Homeless Awareness Roadshow Kick-off.
When: Thursday, June 21st at 3pm
Where: Austin City Hall Atrium