PRINTER'S NO. 4600
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
1086
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY BULLOCK, MURT, HILL-EVANS, KINSEY, BURNS,
KENYATTA, T. DAVIS, LONGIETTI, HOWARD, GALLOWAY AND PETRARCA,
NOVEMBER 10, 2020
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
NOVEMBER 10, 2020
A RESOLUTION
Designating the week of November 16 through 20, 2020, as
"Pennsylvania Education for Students Experiencing
Homelessness Awareness Week" and November 20, 2020, as "Red
Shirt Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, In the 2018-2019 school year, 39,221 students in
Pennsylvania schools were homeless or without adequate housing;
and
WHEREAS, This represents an 8% increase from the 2017-2018
school year, which was a 30% increase from the year before; and
WHEREAS, The purpose of this resolution is to educate the
public about the prevalence of students 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), which all schools must
comply with to overcome those barriers; and
WHEREAS, There are limited resources available to youths
experiencing homelessness, including the shortage of affordable
housing for displaced minors; and
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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 20, 2020, for "Red Shirt Day"; and
WHEREAS, The purpose of "Pennsylvania Education for Students
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 16 through 20, 2020, as "Pennsylvania Education
for Students Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week" and
November 20, 2020, as "Red Shirt Day" in Pennsylvania; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge all
residents of this Commonwealth to recognize that education is
key to preventing future homelessness and provides stability and
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support to youths experiencing homelessness.
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