Board Approves Resolution Endorsing November 2023 as Homeless Youth Awareness Month

The San Diego County Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution endorsing November 2023 as Homeless Youth Awareness Month. Resolution 2023-33 reads:

WHEREAS it is estimated that one in 30 youth ages 13 to 17 and one in 10 young adults ages 18 to 25 in the United States experience some form of homelessness over the course of a year; and

WHEREAS U.S. public schools enroll more than one million children and youth experiencing homelessness each school year; and

WHEREAS an estimated 21,000 children and youth experienced homelessness in San Diego County last school year; and

WHEREAS a disproportionate number of youths experiencing homelessness are members of historically underserved populations, including youth of color and LGBTQIA+ youth; and

WHEREAS students experiencing homelessness continue to face challenges due to high levels of school mobility, residential mobility, educational disruption, unmet basic needs, homelessness-related trauma and stress; and

WHEREAS youth without a high school credential are 346% more likely to experience homelessness than their peers who complete high school; and

WHEREAS runaway and homeless youth who live on the street are victims of physical abuse, sexual exploitation, and crime in untold numbers; and

WHEREAS the Student Services and Programs division provides support to districts and community organizations serving students experiencing homelessness to improve their well-being and educational outcomes; and

WHEREAS San Diego County Office of Education operate a K-12 school offering a comprehensive program designed to help students impacted by homelessness, which serves nearly 350 students a year; and

WHEREAS San Diego County Office of Education aims to bring greater awareness of the challenges and needs experienced by children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness and the resources available to address those challenges and conditions; and

WHEREAS in 2007, Congress first recognized November as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month to build awareness of the issue of youth homelessness, including its causes and potential solutions, and highlight the need to work to prevent homelessness among children and teens; and

WHEREAS organizations and schools nationwide have continued to recognize November as Homeless Youth Awareness Month to bring greater awareness to the issue of youth homelessness and applaud the efforts of businesses, organizations, and volunteers dedicated to meeting the needs of children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the San Diego County Board of Education hereby recognizes November as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month and thereby requests that elected officials in the County of San Diego and all its citizens recognize the unique needs of children and youth experiencing homelessness and increase both awareness of the issue and their commitment to helping these young people succeed.