Collins, Manchin Resolution Dedicating November as National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month Passes Senate

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded the passage of their resolution that recognizes November as National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month.  The resolution passed the Senate unanimously.

“School is challenging enough without students having to worry about where they will sleep each night.  Without the proper support, these young people 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 other youth,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan resolution recognizes the hard work being done by businesses, organizations, schools, and volunteers to prevent youth homelessness.”

“In West Virginia there are more than 10,500 homeless students and across the nation there were 1.3 million homeless children and youth in the 2016-2017 school year. This is an unfortunate and unacceptable situation we are facing as a state and nation. This resolution highlights the issue of child and youth homelessness and supports the efforts of businesses, organizations, educators and volunteers that are dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless children and youth. I am proud to have worked with my colleague Senator Collins and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this resolution and look forward to working together in the future to continue to address this issue,” said Senator Manchin.

The Senators’ resolution is also cosponsored by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Todd Young (R-IN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), James Lankford (R-OK), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Jack Reed (D-RI).

The following organizations have supported Senators Collins and Manchin’s 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, School Social Work Association of America, National Low Income Housing Coalition, Opportunity Starts at Home Campaign, and National Alliance to End Homelessness, Youth Collaboratory.

Earlier this month, Senator Collins met with a group of advocates from Lewiston to discuss ways they can work together to help Maine’s homeless youth.

Click HERE to read the resolution.