On Friday, November 15, 2019 at 3:00 PM, York City Council will hold a press conference in City Council Chambers, 101 S. George St.,York, PA, to declare November 18-22, 2019 as “Pennsylvania’s Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week” and Friday, November 22, 2019 as “Red Shirt Day” in the City of York.
Pennsylvania's Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness — PA ECYEH
PA ECYEH was established to make sure homeless youth have access to a free and appropriate public education while removing barriers that homeless children face. The main goals of the PA ECYEH Program are to inform local school districts of their responsibilities to homeless children and youth, to increase awareness about the needs of homeless children, explain current laws and policies, and provide practical tips for working with homeless children in order to help each student experiencing homelessness to have a school life that is as regular as possible.
Red Shirt Day To Be Observed on Friday, November 22, 2019
This is an important piece of this effort and is geared to raise awareness in encouraging schools,communities and individuals to plan for and support assistance programs for youth experiencing homelessness as they look to complete their education. To show solidarity with children experiencing homelessness and their educators, Yorkers are encouraged to wear red for “Red Shirt Day” on Friday, November 22nd.
Councilwoman Edquina Washington stated that, “Life on the streets is dangerous and unpredictable, leaving homeless youth vulnerable to being exploited, abused, or even killed. Our homeless youth need to know there are people who care about them and they are not to blame for whatever happened to put them in this situation. Assistance is available, so please do not feel guilty or ashamed and never be afraid to ask for help.”
Pennsylvania’s Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness works to provide services to all children and youth experiencing homelessness. To learn more about this initiative, please visit homeless.center-school.org/
