Lautenberg, Martinez, Menendez Introduce Bill To Designate 'National Homeless Youth Awareness Month'

Washington - Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL), and Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced legislation to designate November "National Homeless Youth Awareness Month." New Jersey has more than 13,000 homeless children.

"Unfortunately, families are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. We have to bring attention to this problem and work to ensure our children have a roof over their heads. Designating November 'National Homeless Youth Awareness Month' is an important first step to encourage local governments, businesses, community organizations and volunteers to work together to give at-risk youth a home," said Sen. Lautenberg.

"This effort brings much needed attention to a critical issue. There are an estimated 39,000 homeless young people in my state of Florida and thousands more nationwide. This is an issue we cannot ignore," Sen. Martinez said. "I'm hopeful we can build awareness, promote prevention, and encourage good-hearted organizations to continue their efforts to reduce the number of young people facing the nightmare of homelessness."

"It is a shame that in United States even a single child should be living on the streets, yet in New Jersey alone there are over 13,000 homeless youth," said Sen. Menendez. "It is due time that we bring attention to this national problem and fight to turn the tide of homelessness. The establishment of a 'National Homeless Youth Awareness Month' is a good first step towards this end."

There are between 1.3 million and 2.8 million homeless children across America, comprising nearly one-third of the homeless population, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. On the street, homeless children face a number of threats from physical and sexual assault to illness, suicide, and drug abuse.

Each year, more than 24,000 children leave foster care with little or no financial or housing resources. One-quarter of foster children in America experience homelessness within two to four years of exiting the foster care system. Approximately 13 homeless children die each day due to hardships faced by living on the street.

The Lautenberg-Martinez-Menendez measure is supported by Virgin Mobile USA, which is a member of the RE*Generation Homeless Youth Awareness Task Force. The Task Force aims to increase awareness about homeless teens and support services for at-risk and homeless teens.

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