National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, observed every November, is a critical opportunity to address the alarming issue of children and youth homelessness in the United States. This campaign aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by homeless youth, children and their families and to promote actions that can make a difference in their lives. 

As of June 2023, over to 58,000 homeless students have been identified across the 80 public school districts and 370 plus charter schools in Los Angeles County; 4.3% of students or 1 out of every 20 students currently resides in a homeless situation in LA County.

In schools, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness. To learn more, visit our Homeless Education webpage.

November also is National Runaway Prevention Month, which is designed to spotlight the experiences of youth who have run away and youth who have experienced homelessness that too often remain invisible. 

Education can play an important role in preventing and ending homelessness among young people. Below are additional resources to help you be part of bringing attention to this important issue.

• California State Superintendent of Instruction Tony Thurmond will be leading a Homelessness Summit at LACOE on Thursday, November 9, at 11 a.m. at LACOE’s Education Center West building, 12830 Columbia Way, Downey, CA 90242. The focus of this Summit will be to continue the dialogue on how to support and serve students experiencing homelessness. Register to attend the event in-person or virtually via zoom.
• LACOE Toolkit - The toolkit includes fact sheets, videos, activity ideas, training information and more.
• LACOE Board Resolution
• LACOE Google Drive
• California Homeless Education Technical Assistance Center has resources for recognizing this month including calendar of activities, social media materials, zoom backgrounds and book and movie list.