Collins, Manchin Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Designate November as National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month

Press Release

U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) led 12 of their colleagues in introducing a bipartisan resolution recognizing November as National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month to bring attention to the children and youth experiencing homelessness across the country. In the United States, more than 1.4 million students experienced homelessness during the 2018-2019 school year. In Maine, approximately 2,500 students experience homelessness each year.

"Growing up is challenging enough without young people having to worry about where they will sleep each night. Without the proper support, these children are at risk of dropping out of school and are in greater danger of exploitation. We must make sure our nation's homeless youth have the same opportunity to succeed as their peers," said Senator Collins, Ranking Member of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee. "Our bipartisan resolution raises awareness for this critical issue and recognizes the hard work being done by businesses, organizations, schools, and volunteers to prevent youth homelessness."

"Every child deserves to have a roof over their head and a warm place to sleep at night. Unfortunately, that is not the case for more than 9,500 children in West Virginia and over a million children across the country. We must address this heartbreaking issue," said Senator Manchin. "In February, I introduced the bipartisan Emergency Family Stabilization Act to create an emergency funding stream to address children, youth and families experiencing homelessness. In March, I successfully fought to include $800 million in the American Rescue Plan for school systems to identify and assist homeless students in their schools. I'm proud to join my bipartisan colleagues in designating November as National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month to bring awareness to this dire issue and work to address homelessness among children and youth."

"Youth and child homelessness is a national crisis requiring a new approach that centers the needs of our youngest citizens. NN4Y applauds that Senators from both sides of the aisle have come together in support of this Senate Resolution. Through a cross-system approach, we can end child and youth homelessness in America," said Darla Bardine, Executive Director, National Network for Youth.

"Children and youth living without a home suffer trauma, inequity, and instability, yet remain largely out of sight. America's promise of "opportunity for all' requires seeing and prioritizing children and youth who experience homelessness -- a large, yet often hidden population. I am pleased at this federal recognition of their plight, and hope it is the first of many steps in supporting their needs, resilience, and success. I look forward to continuing to work with youth, families, advocates, businesses, community members, and policymakers to ensure that every child and youth has the opportunity to thrive," said Barbara Duffield, Executive Director, SchoolHouse Connection.

The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded children and youth homelessness with high unemployment, unstable living conditions, and job insecurity -- resulting in higher rates of children, youth and families experiencing homelessness. The COVID-19 pandemic also kept many students at home during the 2020 school year, and schools struggled to track those students experiencing homelessness.

The resolution was supported by SchoolHouse Connection, National Network for Youth, First Focus for Children, National Association of School Phycologists, AFT, National Association of Secondary School Principals, Family Promise, National Alliance to End Homelessness, National Low Income Housing Coalition and Opportunity Starts at Home Campaign.

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