IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION recognizing the many organizations, churches, civic groups and citizens for their work with homeless youth as part of the designation of November as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 21792, November 4, 2024
INTRODUCED BY Donna Peyton, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, in 2007 Congress passed its first resolution recognizing November as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month to build awareness of the issue of youth homelessness, including its causes and potential solutions, and highlight the need to work to prevent homelessness among children and teens; and,
WHEREAS, it is estimated that one in 30 youth ages 13 to 24 and one in 10 young adults ages 18 to 25 in the United States experience some form of homelessness over the course of a year; and,
WHEREAS, U.S. public schools enroll more than one million children and youth experiencing homelessness each school year; and,
WHEREAS, nearly 4% of children and youth in Missouri experience homelessness each year; and,
WHEREAS, a disproportionate number of youths experiencing homelessness are members of historically underserved populations, including youth of color and LGBTQIA+ youth; and,
WHEREAS, youth experiencing homelessness on their own are more likely to be victims of physical and sexual abuse, labor or sex trafficking, and other forms of exploitation; and,
WHEREAS, students experiencing homelessness continue to face challenges due to high levels of school mobility, residential mobility, educational disruption, unmet basic needs, and homelessness-related trauma and stress; and,
WHEREAS, youth without a high school credential are 346% more likely to experience homelessness than their peers who complete high school; and,
WHEREAS, the County Legislature aims to bring greater awareness of the challenges and needs experienced by children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness and the resources avai...
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