Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Curry, Smith-Wade-El recognize growing youth homelessness crisis with resolution

Curry, Smith-Wade-El recognize growing youth homelessness crisis with resolution

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    December 16, 2025 | 3:51 PM

HARRISBURG, Dec. 16 – State Reps. Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware and Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, today celebrated the adoption H.R. 337 designating Nov. 17-21 “Pennsylvania Education for Students Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week” in Pennsylvania.

The resolution also designates Nov. 21 “Red Shirt Day” in Pennsylvania. Red Shirt Day is observed annually to spread awareness of children and youth experiencing homelessness. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 195-8.

“We’re seeing more and more young people pushed into homelessness through circumstances far beyond their control,” Curry said. “When you’re a child, your safety and stability depend on others and when that support isn’t there, options quickly disappear. No one should have to face that kind of uncertainty, especially at such a young age.

“This crisis is deepening, and ongoing challenges like the federal shutdown and Pennsylvania’s unfinished budget only add to the strain on vulnerable families. That’s why this resolution matters. It’s a call to awareness and a call to action. Every young person in Pennsylvania deserves stability, opportunity and a safe place to call home. Student homelessness ultimately turns into adult homelessness.”

Curry and Smith-Wade El introduced H.R. 337 to raise awareness of the youth homelessness crisis, in the hopes that its observance will inspire local leaders and residents to extend their support to youth attempting to complete school while seeking stable homes.

According to the representatives, the population of homeless youth has risen dramatically. Despite the rise, resources for youth are limited, or cannot support children younger than 18 without an accompanying adult. Obstacles like lack of formal identification and family instability can make accessing what resources are available more difficult.

“This resolution aims to make Pennsylvanians aware of the youth homelessness crisis in PA, which has exploded in the past 10 years from just over 19,000 students to exceeding 50,000 today,” Smith-Wade-El said. “We are at a critical juncture as the Trump Administration slashing funding for long-term housing for the homeless. We hope this resolution will encourage schools, communities and individuals across our great commonwealth to plan for and support assistance programs for youth experiencing homelessness as they work to complete their education.”

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