Eleven years ago, just over 19,000 students in Pennsylvania schools were identified as experiencing homelessness; today, that number has exceeded 52,000.

Much of this increase is due to limited resources available to youth, including lack of access to support services, difficulty obtaining identification, and family instability.

There are organizations dedicated to sheltering and providing support services, meals, and food supplies to people experiencing homelessness. However, not all of these services are tailored to the needs of unaccompanied minors. In fact, some shelters will not accept a child under 18 years of age without the presence of a parent or guardian, highlighting the urgent need for additional resources to help homeless students attend school and succeed.

In the coming days, Rep. Smith-Wade-El, Rep. McNeill and I plan to introduce a resolution designating the week of November 16 through November 20, 2026, as “Pennsylvania Education for Youth Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week,” and November 20, 2026, as “Red Shirt Day” in Pennsylvania.

As Pennsylvanians, we must encourage schools, communities, and individuals across our great Commonwealth to plan for and support assistance programs for youths experiencing homelessness as they work to complete their education. Therefore, to demonstrate statewide solidarity with children experiencing homelessness, the House of Representatives urges Pennsylvanians to wear Red on “Red Shirt Day,” Friday, November 20, 2026.