Homeless+In+Houston


 * Description:** Researching root causes of homelessness, as well as social and rehabilitative services available to homeless individuals in the Houston area. Also, students will work with homeless children to examine the impact of homelessness on young people in the community and consider solutions that can be developed to address its impact on the region. Students will work in a shelter and food bank, conduct interviews with homeless individuals, and talk with homeless children specifically about their educational needs and experiences.


 * Students will work in small teams to answer the following "big questions" about homelessness in the Houston region:**
 * What are some of the root causes of homelessness?
 * What is being done to address homelessness in the region?
 * What percentage of Houston's population is homeless? How does this compare to other major urban areas?
 * Where in Houston is the largest concentration of homeless individuals?
 * What successful programs have been done elsewhere to address homelessness?
 * What educational options are available to homeless children?
 * What could we do as a school community to help reduce homelessness in the region and to help homeless individuals?
 * What solutions or recommendations could we make to the City of Houston regarding services for the homeless?


 * Staff:** Julie and J. Duncan


 * Students:**
 * 1) Leticia Farrera (12)
 * 2) Daniela Barajas (11)
 * 3) Marixa Rodriguez (11)
 * 4) Alex Roman (10)
 * 5) Jessica B (8)
 * 6) Jose Guevara (8)
 * 7) Melissa Valdez (8)
 * 8) Stephanie Wilkinson (8)
 * 9) Marisol Briones (7)
 * 10) Kelvin Reyes (7)
 * 11) Katia Aragon (6)
 * 12) Cindy Flores (6)
 * 13) Zach Cuellar (6)
 * 14) Samira Mejia (6)


 * Location(s):** greater Houston area homeless shelters


 * Equipment Needed:** tape recorders and video cameras for interviews and documentation; possibly food and clothing donations


 * Funds Needed:** approximately $150 (this is a total and absolute guess)


 * Number of Vehicles Needed, When, and For How Long:** 1 small bus; 3 days; half school day each day


 * Number of Computers Needed, When, and For How Long:** 5, three days; half school day


 * Number of Video Cameras Needed, When, and For How Long:** 3, two days; half school day


 * Outside Expertise Needed:** Obviously, this project would best be done in conjunction with local community organizations and shelters. Guest speakers from community organizations could also enrich our understanding of how and why homelessness happens.

__**Notes from Planning Session One, 11/20/2008**__

Items and Resources Needed
 * Digital recorders
 * Interview questions (we need to develop these in advance – possibly at next meeting? Interest in asking questions about Government/Government assistance)
 * Permission forms (both for student participation and for interviewees)
 * Video/photography equipment (students to provide their own cameras?)**

Other things we can do in advance or in conjunction with project
 * Clothing drive during winter months?
 * Interview local leaders and shelter volunteers about homelessness and its scope
 * Get an advocate or former homeless person to visit one of our planning sessions
 * Conduct a survey around school to examine bias/preconceptions/misconceptions toward homeless**

How will we use this information?
 * Possibilities:
 * Technological diffusion: iMovie, podcasts, website (possibly featuring a “things you can do to help” section)**
 * **“Lobby it” – send suggestions/recommendations/findings to City of Houston**

Things we must remember…
 * Always avoid generalizations and stereotypes!**