PRINTER'S NO. 2701
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
602
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY BULLOCK, BIZZARRO, MURT, THOMAS, DONATUCCI,
LONGIETTI, DRISCOLL, KINSEY, PASHINSKI, TOOHIL, NEILSON,
MILLARD AND READSHAW, NOVEMBER 14, 2017
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
NOVEMBER 14, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Designating the week of November 13 through 17, 2017, as
"Pennsylvania Education for Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Awareness Week" and November 17, 2017, as "Red Shirt Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, In the 2015-2016 school year, 27,274 students in
Pennsylvania schools were homeless or without adequate housing;
and
WHEREAS, This represents a 5.5% increase from the previous
school year; and
WHEREAS, The number of homeless students has risen 15% in the
last 2 years; and
WHEREAS, The purpose of this resolution is to educate the
public about the prevalence of youths experiencing homelessness,
the barriers that may prevent youths from attending school and
the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (Public Law 100-77,
101 Stat. 482) that all schools must comply with to overcome
those barriers; and
WHEREAS, There are limited resources available to youths
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experiencing homelessness, including the shortage of affordable
housing for displaced minors; and
WHEREAS, Homeless assistance service providers, as well as
community service opportunities for students and school service
organizations need public support; and
WHEREAS, There are many organizations committed to sheltering
and providing support services, meals and food supplies to
people experiencing homelessness, however, very few of these
services are specific to the needs of unaccompanied minors; and
WHEREAS, Many shelters will not accept a child under 18 years
of age without the company of a parent or guardian; and
WHEREAS, There is still a dire need for additional resources
to assist students experiencing homelessness to attend school
and be successful, including the basic needs of food, clothing
and educational supplies; and
WHEREAS, To show Statewide solidarity with children
experiencing homelessness and their educators, the House of
Representatives encourages Pennsylvanians to wear red on
November 17, 2017, for "Red Shirt Day"; and
WHEREAS, The purpose of "Pennsylvania Education for Youth
Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week" is to encourage
schools, communities and individuals to plan for and support
assistance programs for youths experiencing homelessness as they
look to complete their education; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
week of November 13 through 17, 2017, as "Pennsylvania Education
for Youth Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week" and November
17, 2017, as "Red Shirt Day" in Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge all
residents to recognize that education is key to preventing
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future homelessness and provides stability and support to youths
experiencing homelessness.
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