PENNSYLVANIA — A bipartisan group of Pennsylvania state lawmakers, along with advocates and individuals who experienced homelessness in their youth, have come together on Wednesday to highlight new legislation aimed at tackling the escalating issue of child homelessness within the state. The proposed laws are designed to offer critical safeguards, services, and resources to help affected children and young adults transition out of difficult or unsafe living conditions and pursue education and advanced skills.
Representative Donna Bullock, the majority chair of the House Children and Youth Committee, expressed her concern about the impacts of homelessness on children across the state. She emphasized that housing insecurity should not hinder access to a quality education and raised concerns about the number of children forced into street living due to their family circumstances.
A 2017 study revealed that 4.2 million young people had experienced homelessness, marking a significant societal issue. The Pennsylvania Department of Education added to this grim picture by reporting that over 40,000 children and youth were identified as homeless during the 2021-22 school year – a record high for the state.
The lawmakers and advocates stressed the need for more comprehensive data, as many families conceal their homelessness due to societal stigma or fear of separation if they seek help.
The highlighted pieces of legislation include House Bill 127, which pertains to vehicle licensing; House Bill 729, which provides for homeless youth at institutions of higher education and housing priority; House Bill 730, which relates to contracting and consent by certain minors; and House Bill 1175, proposing a Pilot Program for Homeless Youth in Higher Education.
State Representatives Gina Curry and Abby Major, who represent parts of Delaware County and Armstrong and Westmoreland counties respectively, also spoke at the conference. Supporters of the legislation included Barbara Huggins from the PA Legislative Advocacy Committee to End Homelessness, Ejay Velez from the Youth Collaboratory, National Youth Advisory Council, Nikki Johnson-Huston, a lawyer and former Ms. Pennsylvania, and Sonia Pitzi from the PA Education of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness.
The proposed laws represent a significant effort to address the escalating crisis of youth homelessness in Pennsylvania, with lawmakers and advocates working tirelessly to ensure every child has the opportunity for a safe and secure future.
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