RESOLUTION NO. 050499

Expressing sympathy on the death of Reverend Stuart Whitney.

WHEREAS, Reverend Stuart Whitney died on April 26, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Whitney was responsible for the founding of reStart, Inc., a shelter for the homeless. As pastor of Grand Avenue Temple United Methodist Church, Whitney mobilized leaders of the faith community and established the downtown shelter in 1983. He served as executive director of reStart, Inc. until 2002; and

WHEREAS, reStart is not simply a shelter, but a mission offering time, resources, space and support for people who are homeless and seeking to improve their lot in life. By offering resources and a helpful environment, reStart helps people overcome economic and social difficulties and move toward independent living; and

WHEREAS, Stuart Whitney was an inspiring person who identified every life as one of value. He saw humanity and hope in all people regardless of their status, and was driven to help others, particularly those in need; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Stuart Whitney contributed enormously to the City of Kansas City by caring for those so easily and readily overlooked. He provided shelter and assistance to the downtrodden and those oppressed by the vicissitudes of life, and he gave them hope; NOW, THEREFORE.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby honor Reverend Stuart Whitney for his contributions to social justice, and that the Council take special note of his death on April 26, 2005; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that copies hereof be presented to his family in token of the sadness felt by the Mayor and Council on this occasion.

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