November 13, 2019

Manchin Advocates For Passage Of Resolution To Dedicate November As National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today spoke on the Senate Floor on his resolution to recognize November as National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month.

“In West Virginia there are more than 10,500 homeless children and youth. This is an unfortunate and unacceptable situation we are facing as a state and nation. I always say that there are five promises we as adults should make to every child; they should have unconditional love from a caring adult, a safe place to call home, a healthy start and nutritious diet, be taught a livable skill, and should grow into a loving, caring adult and give back to society. We must do better to ensure that these five promises are being kept,” said Senator Manchin.

“We must keep our promise to these children who deserve a roof over their heads and a stable place to sleep. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass my resolution to dedicate November as Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month to raise awareness and ensure that these children have what they need to become productive members of society who are caring, loving adults who give back.”

To view Senator Manchin’s floor remarks, click here.

To view the resolution, click here.

Senator Manchin’s resolution is also cosponsored by Senators Collins (R-ME), Cantwell (D-WA), Young (R-IN), Booker (D-NJ), Lankford (R-OK), Hirono (D-HI), Hassan (D-NH), Feinstein (D-CA), Coons (D-DE), Blumenthal (D-CT), Peters (D-MI), Reed (D-RI).

The following organizations have supported Senator Manchin’s resolution: SchoolHouse Connection, First Focus Campaign for Children, Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), School Superintendents Association (AASA), National Education Association (NEA), School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA), American School Counselor Association (ASCA), National PTA, National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Head Start Association, Zero to Three, National Network for Youth (NN4Youth), True Colors United, Family Promise, American Federation of Teachers, Covenant House International, National Association of School Psychologists, A Way Home America, School Social Work Association of America, National Low Income Housing Coalition, Opportunity Starts at Home Campaign, and National Alliance to End Homelessness, Youth Collaboratory.

Senator Manchin’s recent op-ed on children and youth homelessness can be read here.