TULANE UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
OFFICE OF THE DEAN
June 26, 2007
To Whom This May Concern:
I am writing in support of Ms. Marion Strauss' interest in securing funding for the program "Shared Housing of New Orleans". Ms. Strauss, as the director of this program, has done an outstanding job of linking homeless individuals with homeowners in a unique program which has benefitted both groups enormously. As dean and a faculty member at Tulane University School of Social Work I am intimately aware of the problems of the homeless in New Orleans and of the needs of the elderly homeowner.
Ms. Strauss' program has met a growing need over the years and has, from my personal observation, been quite successful in delaying and often preventing completely, the unneccessary institutionalization of the elderly. Her program has enabled many elderly to remain in their homes while simultaneously addressing the needs of the homeless.
I support Ms. Strauss in her pursuit of funding to support Shared Housing and wish her every success in this critically important effort.
Sincerely,
Ron Marks, Ph.D.,M.P.H.,M.S.W.
Dean
