At its November 18, 2025, legislative meeting at 6PM, York City Council will officially proclaim November 17-21, 2025, as “Pennsylvania’s Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week” and Friday, November 21, 2025, as “Red Shirt Day” in the City of York. This initiative aims to educate the public about the prevalence of youth homelessness, the barriers students face in attending school, and the mandate of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
Homelessness remains a challenge across the Commonwealth, affecting both urban and rural areas. The proclamation highlights the critical role of education in providing consistency and stability for children and youth experiencing homelessness. Schools often serve as lifelines, offering students essential services such as safe spaces, nutritious meals, access to hygiene items, opportunities to wash clothing and take showers, and clothing closets.
Despite the efforts of many organizations committed to sheltering and providing support services, there is a shortage of affordable housing for displaced minors and limited services specifically geared toward unaccompanied minors. Many shelters will not accept a child under the age of 18 without a parent or guardian, underlining the dire need for resources like food, clothing, and educational supplies to help students succeed.
Red Shirt Day, observed on Friday, November 21, 2025, is a key part of this effort, designed to raise awareness and encourage support for assistance programs helping youth complete their education. York City Council invites everyone to wear red on this day as a powerful visual statement that students experiencing homelessness are seen, supported, and valued by their school community.
Council President Edquina Washington stated, “Education is the key to providing stability and preventing future homelessness for our youth. By observing Red Shirt Day and the awareness week, we are making a powerful visual statement that students experiencing homelessness are seen, supported, and valued by the York community. We must ensure they have access to the lifelines provided by our schools, guaranteeing that education remains a foundation of dignity and hope.”
Individuals are encouraged to share photos on social media using @ECYEHPA and the hashtags #RedShirtDay, #IWillBeYourVoice, #LetsHaveAConversation, and #ECYEHAwareness to collectively send a strong message that these students are not invisible.
Your coverage is invited.
