Los Angeles Unified Board of Education Approves Recognition of November as Homeless Youth Awareness Month (11-20-2024)

Los Angeles Unified Board of Education Approves Recognition of November as Homeless Youth Awareness Month

Los Angeles, CA (Nov. 20, 2024) – Yesterday, the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education approved a resolution recognizing November once again as Homeless Youth Awareness Month. The District pledges to recognize the unique challenges of youth experiencing homelessness and commits to increase awareness of the issues impacting housing insecure students. Additionally, the District will continue to support and explore programs, partnerships and legislation that combat homelessness and remove barriers to success for homeless youth.

The resolution was authored by Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III and co-sponsored by Board Vice President Scott Schmerelson and Board Member Kelly Gonez.

“I am proud to sponsor this resolution declaring November 2024 as Runaway and Homeless Youth Prevention Month in the Los Angeles Unified School District,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “With California having the second highest rate of unaccompanied and unsheltered youth in the nation, it is vital that we focus on this important issue and provide the resources, education and awareness to help eliminate this tragedy.”

“We refuse to give up on our homeless youth during this difficult time in their lives,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “The District is implementing services such as laundry trucks, mental health services, resources for housing and other things. However, we will always seek to provide more resources for our students to assist them during their time of need.”

"As a school system, we are responsible for delivering excellent education alongside the supports, resources and opportunities our most vulnerable students need," Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. "Education transformed me—from a poor, immigrant, homeless child—into the person I am today. Los Angeles Unified remains steadfast in exploring programs, partnerships and legislation to combat homelessness and eliminate barriers to success for our homeless youth.”

“I want to thank Board Member McKenna and Board Vice President Schmerelson for introducing this vital Resolution,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said. “We know that homeless and runaway youth are some of our most at-risk students. I am in strong support of anything we can do to bring them more help.”

“Let’s use this month to address the challenges faced by our most vulnerable youth,” Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas said. “In Los Angeles, nearly 4,000 youth experience homelessness on any given night, underscoring the urgent need for community support and prevention efforts.”

“As we recognize November as National Runaway and Homeless Youth Prevention Month, our work continues year-round to support unhoused children in schools, expand efforts and partnerships to create affordable housing for our employees and students and provide the resources and services ensure kids have the energy and focus they need to learn and thrive for the future,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said.

“During Homeless Youth Awareness month and every day, our school and District staff work tirelessly to support our students experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “I hope we will continue to explore innovative solutions to build more affordable housing in Los Angeles in support of our families and prevent more families from becoming homeless.”

“It is essential that our youth experiencing homelessness have welcoming and supportive spaces where they feel seen, valued and safe,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “While we recognize this month, our commitment to supporting these students must continue all year long. Together, we can provide the stability, care and warmth of a home that every child and young person deserves.”

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