Collins resolution raising awareness about youth homelessness passes Senate

The U.S. Senate on Nov. 14 approved a bipartisan resolution cosponsored by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) recognizing November as National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month.

“This bipartisan resolution recognizes the hard work being done by businesses, organizations, schools, and volunteers to prevent youth homelessness,” Sen. Collins said on Monday.

The senator is the lead original cosponsor of Senate Resolution (S.Res.) 423, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV). Eleven other senators signed on as cosponsors, including U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN).

“School is challenging enough without students having to worry about where they will sleep each night,” said Sen. Collins. “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 their peers,” she said.

Sen. Manchin noted that in his home state, there are more than 10,500 homeless students, while nationwide there were 1.3 million homeless children and youth during the 2016-2017 school year.

“This is an unfortunate and unacceptable situation we are facing as a state and nation,” he said. “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.”

Numerous organizations also support the resolution, including the Council of Chief State School Officers, the School Superintendents Association, the National Education Association, and the National PTA, among others.