The Learning Process

 

The instructor will divide the class into groups of 2-3, where the students will choose a city of their choice to conduct research on homelessness.  This project will be conducted over two 5-hour days with the students utilizing the library computers to access the Internet to obtain their information.

 

 

The Process - Day 1 - 5 hours

 

Through research, you will obtain national and local statistics regarding the number of people who are homeless and you will discover the causes of homelessness.  By developing a multimedia presentation, you may share your findings and answer questions from your classmates.  Additionally, cooperative learning is encouraged through group collaboration, which will allow you to share ideas, experience and other perspectives that were gained from this research experience.

 

Objective 1:  Your group will be able to develop a PowerPoint presentation                  with at least four (4) main causes of homelessness, such as:

 

• Addictions

  • Drugs

  • Alcohol

• Death

  • Spouse or other family member

• Debts

  • Credit cards

  • Auto Loans

  • Home Loans

  • Medical bills

• Disabilities

• Family issues

  • Divorce

  • Abandonment

  • Abuse

• Health or mental issues

• Loss of income and/or reduction in pay

  • Job(s)

  • Social networks

 

 

The Process - Day 2 - 5 hours

 

Utilizing the research data obtained on day one of this project, the students will break into their groups to review the scenarios from "What would you do?"  The groups will have 3-5 minutes to select one scenario to answer this question.   They will return to the main group to share their findings.

 

Objective 2:  Your group will conduct research on a city of your choice, where you will be able to describe the current trends in homelessness due to the economic downturn.  Using a mind-mapping program, the group will provide a snapshot of three available support services to the homeless people in the city of your choice, for helping those in need, including:

 

• How many people are currently homeless?

  • United States?

  • The city of your choice?

 

• Who are the homeless?

  • Children/Teens/Young Adults

  • Elderly

  • Men

  • Women and/or Women with Children

  • Veterans

 

• Name three (3) services available to the homeless for your selected city.

  • United States Government

  • Charitable organizations

  • Local government

  • Religious

 

 

Questions to consider...

 

• What happened that caused the individual to become homeless?

• How long have this person/family been homeless?

• Was there something that they could have done to prevent their situation?  If so, what?

• Where is this person/family living?

• Where do they sleep, eat and what facilities do they use?

• Does this individual have family or friends that can help them with housing?

• Why would an individual choose to live in tents, cars or on the streets, instead of a homeless shelter?

• What type of assistance is available?

• What are the options for obtaining housing (national or local governments, non-profit organizations)?

• What are the requirements for obtaining housing assistance?

• Does this person/family make too much money to receive assistance?

• Does this homeless person have children or pets living with them?

• Are there any restrictions for receiving assistance?  If so, what are the restrictions?

• How long does it take to obtain this assistance?

• What are the temporary and long-term solutions?

• What can the community do to help reduce homelessness?