Committee reports resolution recognizing Students Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week
Summary
The committee unanimously reported House Resolution 337 recognizing Education for Students Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week; the final roll-call was 25–1 in favor. Sponsors emphasized rising counts of students experiencing homelessness and planned a Red Shirt Day and rally to raise awareness.
The House Children Youth Committee on Nov. 1 reported House Resolution 337 (printer's number 2430) recognizing the week of Nov. 17–21, 2025 as Education for Students Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week and designating a Red Shirt Day. Committee staff summarized the resolution and listed the Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth, and Family Services as supporting the resolution.
Representative Smith Wade l, a sponsor, told the committee that a decade ago the Pennsylvania Department of Education reported approximately 19,000 students experiencing homelessness and that the most recent report identified about 50,000. Smith Wade l said the resolution aims to continue an awareness tradition at the Capitol and to draw attention to the problem even where members may disagree on causes or remedies. Representative Curry, a co-sponsor, emphasized that student homelessness includes “couch surfing” as well as sleeping in cars or shelters and announced a rally and Red Shirt Day to raise awareness.
Representative Barger said he typically opposes non-binding resolutions while the state budget remains unsettled and cast a dissenting vote. On the question the ayes were 25 and the nays were 1; the resolution was reported as committed. The committee adjourned with no further business.
The resolution is illustrative and does not create new funding or programmatic obligations; it is a statement of recognition and awareness.
