For the sixth year, PA will observe Students Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week, an annual effort draw attention to the plight of homeless students across the state. Participants will spend the week holding educational, community service, fundraising, and advocacy events to address this critical, often hidden issue.
“More than 36 thousand students are experiencing homelessness across PA,” said Sonia Pitzi, PA Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Coordinator and awareness week founder. “And it’s important to remember that behind every number is the face of a student..”
Students Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week is co-sponsored by members of both the PA House of Representatives and the State Senate. The event originated six years ago, culminates on November 22, with Red Shirt Day, and the State Capitol building lighting up red in support of these students.
“Too often, students feel that they don’t have a voice. They feel that people aren’t listening to them.” said Pitzi. “We want students experiencing homelessness to know that there are people who care.”
Events planned for the week include:
· Joint Resolution Presentation in the Capitol Rotunda – November 20, 10 AM
· Original Play, #IWillBeYourVoice : Stories of Homelessness and Hope – November 21, 7 PM Unitarian Universalists of the Cumberland Valley, 2 Forge Road, Boiling Springs
· Red Shirt Day- November 22. The public is invited to wear RED shirts in support of students experiencing homelessness. The Capitol building will light up Red at sunset.
You can be a voice for homeless students. Participate in Red Shirt day. Snap a selfie and upload to social media with the hashtag #IWillBeYourVoice, and tag @PA_ECYEH on Instagram, and Twitter. You can also visit our facebook page at facebook.com/ECYEHPA
For information about students experiencing homelessness, awareness week, and Red Shirt Day, contact Sonia Pitzi, ECYEH Region 3 Coordinator at slpitzi@liu12.org or 717-718-5924
https://www.smore.com/uc6vf-homelessness-and-displacement