About the Project

Across six months students will seek to answer two questions. How do we disrupt systems perpetuating homelessness? How can we change misconceptions about homelessness? To do so, students will explore three units. First, students will learn about homelessness across the nation as well as in their own communities. This will serve as an introduction to the issue and the humans who are affected by it every single day. Second, students will deeply examine causes and perpetuations of homelessness. They will do so through present and past case studies of systemic causes and perpetuations of homelessness such as mass incarceration, mental healthcare, and redlining. Third, students will explore solutions to address homelessness and local advocacy. Throughout the entirety of the project, students will partner with a local organization and their clients to learn more about individuals’ experiences of homelessness and ongoing work to address these needs. The third unit provides time for all of the learning to be put to action by students themselves in service of our partner non-profit and through local political advocacy. Throughout the project, students will write a book of short stories to be accompanied by a short documentary-style video of their experiences.