HARRISBURG, PA — The troubling rise in youth homelessness in Pennsylvania has prompted state lawmakers and advocates to focus on legislative measures designed to address this critical issue. Recent data reveals that over 45,000 children and youth experienced homelessness during the 2022-23 school year, a significant increase from the previous year, setting a new record for the state.
State Representative Gina H. Curry, who serves parts of Delaware County, highlighted the dire situation faced by families, noting, “We know families that experience financial hardships will do whatever they can to survive, living with relatives by couch surfing or spending nights in a car to stay together at all costs.” She underscored that the actual numbers might be higher due to underreporting driven by fears of family separation by protective services.
Amidst this growing concern, legislation has been introduced in the Pennsylvania House aimed at improving the lives of homeless youth. Representatives and advocates gathered in Harrisburg to promote these efforts, emphasizing the life-threatening challenges these young individuals face. Representative Ismail Smith-Wade-El of Lancaster County emphasized, “Politicians oftentimes use the phrase ‘most vulnerable’ to describe numerous groups of individuals, but in the case of children experiencing homelessness is literally a life-and-death struggle to survive.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Education reported that 46,714 children and youth experienced homelessness from July 2022 through June 2023. Alarming figures indicate that 14% of these children had not yet started kindergarten, and 17% were unaccompanied by an adult or guardian.
Several bills, including H.B. 127, 729, 730, and 1175, have been introduced to address youth homelessness. These initiatives aim to establish pilot programs to study and better understand the root causes of youth homelessness. Representative Ryan Bizzarro of Erie County, who authored H.B. 127, stated, “My bill would provide assistance for youth to acquire identification that is pivotal for enrolling in schools, scheduling doctor appointments and employment.” His bill, which facilitates access to identification and driver’s licenses for homeless youth, received bipartisan support in the House.
Representative Jeanne McNeill of Lehigh County called for increased investment in shelters specifically designed for teens and young adults. “It’s time we start implementing new policies and improve current policies that are proactive and allow us to prevent people from becoming homeless,” she asserted.
Additionally, Representative Melissa Shusterman proposed H.B. 1175, which seeks to create a pilot program at select community colleges and PASSHE institutions. This program aims to support homeless youth in pursuing higher education and career development.
The Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness program continues to play a crucial role in ensuring that homeless children remain connected to their education and community resources.
The collective efforts of lawmakers, advocates, and community leaders highlight a concerted push towards creating sustainable solutions for youth homelessness. Participants in this initiative include Representatives Curry, McNeill, Smith-Wade-El, and Bizzarro, along with advocates such as Jada Guiste, a Hope Through Learning Scholarship recipient, and other key stakeholders from educational and community organizations.
As Pennsylvania confronts this growing crisis, the focus remains on legislative action and community support to foster a brighter future for its most vulnerable youth.
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