California Runaway and Homeless Youth Prevention Month.
SCR 84 seeks to mobilize individuals, educational institutions, businesses, local governments, and the state to take coordinated actions to address the needs of these vulnerable young people. The resolution recognizes that runaway and homeless youth disproportionately include LGBTQ+ individuals and emphasizes the need for targeted resources and community programs to prevent youth homelessness. It calls for greater investment in youth-specific housing and support services, which could ultimately lead to a reduction in the number of youth who become chronically homeless.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 84 (SCR 84), authored by Alvarado-Gil, proclaims November 2023 as California Runaway and Homeless Youth Prevention Month. This resolution aims to raise awareness of the issues faced by runaway and homeless youth in California, who are between 12 to 24 years old and often lack access to essential support and opportunities. The resolution highlights the staggering statistics regarding youth homelessness, with an estimated 200,000 youth under 18 experiencing homelessness annually, and identifies the unique circumstances that contribute to this crisis, including conflict, abuse, and poverty in their homes.
The sentiment surrounding SCR 84 is largely supportive, as it seeks to acknowledge and address a critical social issue impacting youth in California. Legislators, advocacy groups, and community organizations have expressed gratitude for the recognition provided by the bill, viewing it as a significant step towards raising awareness and promoting preventive measures. The resolution aligns with national efforts to designate November as National Runaway and Homeless Youth Prevention Month, thus fostering a sense of solidarity and collective action across states.
While there is widespread support for SCR 84, some concerns have been raised about the adequacy of current resources and programs in effectively addressing the complexities of youth homelessness. Discussions around the resolution suggest that merely designating a month for awareness may not be enough without substantive action and funding to support the initiatives aimed at preventing youth from becoming homeless. Critics argue that continued attention and advocacy are necessary to translate awareness into effective policy and resource allocation that genuinely benefits at-risk youth and addresses the multifaceted nature of homelessness.