NJ SJR115

Designates November of each year as "New Jersey Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month."

The Governor may annually issue a proclamation calling on public officials and citizens to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities.

Cites that 8,754 persons were experiencing homelessness in New Jersey on January 25, 2022, including 988 families with children and 780 homeless youth (ages 24 and under).

Notes that nationally, approximately 1.1 million homeless children and youth were identified in public schools during the 2020-2021 school year, with a 67.8% graduation rate compared to 85.5% for all students.

Highlights that more than one in three homeless high school students has attempted suicide, and 29% of unaccompanied homeless youth ages 13-25 have spent time in foster care.