In the 2024-25 school year, West Virginia’s public schools identified 15,101 students experiencing homelessness, according to the most recent data available from the state Department of Education. This includes several hundred unaccompanied homeless students, navigating life without the support of a parent or guardian. Homelessness is just as prevalent in rural communities as it is in urban areas—and it’s getting worse and demands immediate attention.
To address this growing crisis, legislators in West Virginia are working to remove one of the biggest barriers confronting youth experiencing homelessness: identification. Legislation like HB 2983, a bill sponsored by Delegate Gary Howell last session would allow individuals experiencing homelessness to obtain vital documents, including a birth certificate, state identification card or replacement license, at no cost.
As the Director of Public Safety for Greenbrier County Schools, I recognize the value of vital documents in ensuring that all our students have proper identification in the event of an emergency.
This type of legislation is a low-cost, high-impact solution that a growing number of states are adopting to remove barriers to education and employment. But it’s especially important when it includes a focus on youth. A lack of identity documents—like a state-issued ID, birth certificate, or driver’s license—creates significant roadblocks. Without these documents, it’s difficult to apply for jobs, access stable housing or other resources to meet basic needs. Free access to identification empowers young people to stay in school, graduate, and become self-sufficient adults—rather than relying on public assistance.
Not only should we support reintroducing vital documents legislation in the upcoming session, to ensure it does the most good we should explicitly include youth who are considered homeless under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, along with liaisons and other designated school staff who serve them. Currently, the bill would only support those identified by shelters. That’s a problem, because only 5.4 percent of West Virginia’s homeless students are in shelters, according to WVDE. A staggering 86.1 percent are couch-surfing or staying temporarily with other people.
Public schools play a vital role in identifying and supporting these students. Every district is required to have a McKinney-Vento liaison who helps remove barriers to enrollment, extracurricular participation, transportation, and graduation.
By passing vital documents legislation and ensuring that youth are fully included, the West Virginia Legislature has an opportunity to address homelessness and strengthen the state’s future workforce.
Vince Deeds serves as a State Senator in West Virginia, representing the 10th Senatorial District.
