November Proclaimed Homeless Youth Awareness and Action Month

November is proclaimed National Homeless Youth Awareness and Action 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. Since 2007 November has been a time to elevate the issue of youth homelessness; applaud the efforts of businesses, organizations, and volunteers dedicated to meeting the needs of children and youth experiencing homelessness; and grow the commitment to intensify efforts to prevent and end homelessness among young people in the United States.

Homeless Youth Awareness and Action Month Proclaimation 2024

WHEREAS, homelessness can adversely affect virtually every aspect of a person’s life, from one’s sense of
safety and social support to overall health and life expectancy; and

WHEREAS, for children and families, homelessness can lead to devastating consequences including
developmental delays, disruptions in education, and family separation; and

WHEREAS, the Annual Point-In-Time Count conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development showed an increase in family homelessness in Colorado from 2,151 in 2022 to 3,641
in 2023; and

WHEREAS, McKinney-Vento Liaisons across Colorado School Districts reported nearly 18,000 students from
pre-kindergarten to 12th grade who were unsheltered, staying in emergency shelter, transitional housing,
hotels/motels, or doubled-up due to economic hardship during the 2022-2023 school year; and

WHEREAS, the overall chronic absentee rate for homeless students in the 2023-2024 school year was
approximately 56%; and

WHEREAS, communities across Colorado are working collaboratively to implement proven solutions that
quickly identify the risk factors to children and youth experiencing homelessness and connect them with
consistent wrap-around support, educational, housing, and other services needed to thrive; and

WHEREAS, increased awareness of youth homelessness across the state of Colorado has led to new and
innovative funding opportunities and inter-agency programs to create and support strategies in prevention and
resolution of homelessness for families and youth;

THEREFORE, I, Jared Polis, Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim the month of November
2024, as HOMELESS YOUTH AWARENESS AND ACTION MONTH in Colorado.