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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