Supporting the designation of November 2025 as "National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 905
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Housing and Community Development
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-21: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-12T16:11:26Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 905) aims to raise awareness about homelessness among children and youth in the United States by supporting the designation of November 2025 as "National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month." It highlights the scale, causes, and consequences of child and youth homelessness to encourage greater public and institutional support for prevention and solutions.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a series of factual "Whereas" clauses outlining the extent of homelessness, followed by four main "Resolved" directives:
- Supports efforts of businesses, governments, organizations, educators, and volunteers to meet the needs of homeless children and youth.
- Applauds initiatives that raise awareness about child and youth homelessness, its causes (such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, family conflict, substance misuse, and mental health issues), and potential solutions, while also working to prevent it.
- Supports the designation of November 2025 as "National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month."
- Encourages intensified efforts during this month by the listed groups to address child and youth homelessness.
Key facts cited include:
- Nearly 1.4 million homeless children and youth enrolled in public schools in the 2022-2023 school year, a 14% increase from the prior year.
- An estimated 1.2 million children under age 6 and 4.2 million youth/young adults experience homelessness annually, often in temporary situations like couch-surfing or shelters.
- A 39% rise in families in homeless shelters or on streets in 2024, per the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- Elevated risks for homeless infants (e.g., illnesses), families (e.g., child welfare involvement, school attendance issues), and students (e.g., chronic absenteeism, lower graduation rates of 68% vs. 85.5% overall, higher suicide risks).
- Homelessness affects rural, suburban, and urban areas equally; 29% of unaccompanied homeless youth aged 13-25 have foster care experience.
- Lack of education is the top risk factor for homelessness.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic expression of congressional support rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: May indirectly encourage federal and local agencies (e.g., Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Education) to prioritize awareness and support programs, but imposes no mandates or funding requirements.
- On citizens: Increases public awareness of child and youth homelessness, potentially leading to greater volunteerism, donations, and community involvement to prevent and address the issue. It could highlight disparities in education, health, and mental well-being for affected families.
- On international relations: No impacts, as the resolution is focused solely on domestic U.S. issues.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Homeless children and youth: Primary beneficiaries through heightened awareness and potential support for their education, health, and stability.
- Families and educators: Schools and parents facing challenges with attendance, graduation, and child welfare.
- Businesses, governments, organizations, and volunteers: Encouraged to participate in awareness and prevention efforts.
- Foster care and social service providers: Affected by statistics on youth transitioning from foster care to homelessness.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant, as this is a simple resolution without binding authority or implications for rights, enforcement, or court challenges. It aligns with congressional powers to express policy positions under Article I of the U.S. Constitution.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by representatives from both parties) for addressing social issues like homelessness, potentially influencing future legislative agendas on housing, education, and youth services. It underscores the issue's urgency without committing resources, serving as a platform for advocacy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
Cosponsors (9)
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-21: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- 2025-11-21: Submitted in House
- 2025-11-21: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of November 2025 as "National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month". — issued 2025-11-21 — PDF (4 pages)