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Benjamin E. Cooper Award & Past Recipients PDF Print E-mail

ben-cooper-2009-tmbTHE BENJAMIN E. COOPER AWARD honors outstanding contributions to the work of the Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place. Until his death in a tragic accident in 1997, at the age of just 17, Ben Cooper was a leader among the many students at Georgetown Day School who volunteer at Friendship Place.

The students help with outreach, office work, maintenance tasks — whatever needs doing. Ben was one of the most enthusiastic. His encouragement of those coming through the doors for help inspired both staff and other volunteers. We are honored to give this annual award in Ben’s memory. Below is a list of the recipients from past years.

 
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FAQs

Many homeless people appear mentally ill. Are they dangerous?
Homeless people with mental illnesses are no more dangerous than any other group of people. The reality is that most people with mental illnesses are not violent or dangerous. In fact they are more likely to be the victims of crime than to commit a crime. One of the largest studies ever undertaken into links between mental illness and violence finds no significant correlation unless the mentally ill person is also abusing drugs or alcohol. This finding should come as no surprise, since the same is true of substance abusers who are not mentally ill.