Designating November 2024 as "National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month".

Legislation Details

Designates November 2024 as “National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month.”
Highlights the significant increase in the number of homeless children and youth in the U.S., with nearly 1.4 million identified in the 2022-2023 school year.
Notes that approximately 1.2 million children under 6 and 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness annually.
Emphasizes the health risks faced by infants experiencing homelessness.
Points out the correlation between homelessness and challenges in the child welfare system and school attendance.
Reports that over 52% of students experiencing homelessness were chronically absent during the 2021-2022 school year.
Indicates that homeless high school students are at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and attempts.
States that lack of education is a leading risk factor for homelessness, with those without a high school diploma being significantly more likely to experience homelessness.
Compares high school graduation rates, showing that students experiencing homelessness have a lower rate than their low-income and all-student peers.
Acknowledges that youth homelessness occurs equally in rural, suburban, and urban areas.
Notes that a significant percentage of unaccompanied homeless youth have spent time in foster care.
Recognizes the complex factors contributing to homelessness among children and youth, including poverty, low education, substance misuse, mental health issues, lack of affordable housing, and family conflict.
Calls for increased awareness and support for effective programs aimed at helping homeless children and youth.
Supports the efforts of various stakeholders in addressing the needs of homeless children and youth.
Encourages continued initiatives to raise awareness and prevent homelessness among children and youth.

Designating November 2024 as "National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month".

Cosponsors