HONORING WOMEN OF THE YEAR: AMANDA JENKINS

On 2026-10-05, Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-8) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING WOMEN OF THE YEAR: AMANDA JENKINS" in the House.

HONORING WOMEN OF THE YEAR: AMANDA JENKINS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 157 (Monday, October 5, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 157 (Monday, October 5, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1024] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING WOMEN OF THE YEAR: AMANDA JENKINS ______ HON. JOHN GARAMENDI of california in the house of representatives Monday, October 5, 2026 Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Amanda Jenkins as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. As a devoted and resilient member of the community who has endured eight years without stable housing, Amanda works for Contra Costa County's Coordinate Outreach Referral and Engagement (CORE) program to provide resources to people experiencing homelessness in the Richmond area. Amanda, a mother of five and grandmother of seven, originally faced homelessness after she made the difficult decision to leave an abusive relationship. Despite facing difficult circumstances, Amanda remained committed to supporting the people around her, establishing the Castro encampment, protecting her neighbors, and sharing resources with her community. She has also remained a fierce advocate for her community, sparking key dialogues between government agencies, homelessness task forces, and people living in unhoused communities. Today, through her work for the CORE program, Amanda engages with and helps stabilize people experiencing unsheltered homelessness through consistent street outreach. She is also attending school to become a Community Health Worker. Amanda is not defined by the years she spent without housing, she is defined by the community she protected, the trust she built, the promise she kept, the people she continues to serve, and the hope her life now gives to others. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Amanda Jenkins for her positive contributions to our community. ____________________