State Lawmakers Highlight Bills to End Youth Homelessness
Thousands of Pennsylvania children will experience homelessness this school year, through no fault of their own, according to Pennsylvania lawmakers.
The bipartisan group of state lawmakers highlighted legislation that will provide the necessary safeguards to help youth receive the services and resources they need to stay safe.
The lawmakers said the bills will also help youth and young adults leave difficult or unsafe living conditions by pursuing and obtaining an education and advanced skills.
“Youth experiencing homelessness often go unseen,” Rep. Ryan Bizzarro said. “They might crash at a friend’s house or sleep in a car, but just because they might have found a place to stay for the night doesn’t mean they have a place to call home. My bill addresses this issue by removing the costs associated with acquiring a driver’s licenses for students enrolled in education programs, paving the way for them to receive life-saving services.”
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, more than 40,000 children and youth have been identified as homeless during the 2021-22 school year - a statewide record.
