On November 14, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), and cosponsored by twelve other U.S. Senators, recognizing November 2019 as “National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month.” It is the first resolution to recognize both child and youth homelessness, from infancy to young adulthood. The resolution includes information about the extent and impact of child and youth homelessness, and supports the efforts of businesses, organizations, educators, and volunteers to meet the needs of homeless children and youth.
The following organizations are supporting this resolution: SchoolHouse Connection, First Focus Campaign for Children, Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), School Superintendents Association (AASA), National Education Association (NEA), School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA), American School Counselor Association (ASCA), National PTA, National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Head Start Association, Zero to Three, National Network for Youth (NN4Youth), True Colors United, Family Promise, American Federation of Teachers, Covenant House International, National Association of School Psychologists, A Way Home America, National Low Income Housing Coalition, and Opportunity Starts at Home Campaign, National Alliance to End Homelessness, and Youth Collaboratory.
We encourage readers to share this resolution with local and state policymakers, and to use it in conjunction with local activities and events for National Homelessness and Hunger Awareness Week.