Here are some strong national resources you can use when you pick a state. Use them to gather data, understand policies, and find real programs that address homelessness.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Annual Homelessness Assessment Reports, state-by-state data, and policy guidance
National Alliance to End Homelessness: research, fact sheets, best practices
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): programs and data on homelessness, mental health, and substance use
National Coalition for the Homeless: background briefs, case studies
“Homelessness in Arizona Annual Report 2023” (Arizona Department of Economic Security) — gives counts, trends, demographics, and program information Arizona Department of Economic Security
Point-in-Time (PIT) counts from Maricopa Association of Governments — local counts, trends over time Maricopa Association of Governments+2Maricopa Association of Governments+2
Arizona Housing Affordability Reports — to show state-level housing shortage, which is a major factor in homelessness Common Sense Institute
Arizona Town Hall: Mental Health, Substance Use and Homelessness — exploring how mental health / substance use link with homelessness in Arizona Morrison Institute for Public Policy
Phoenix Rescue Mission — local service provider data (e.g. number of homeless veterans, children) Phoenix Rescue Mission
You’ll write a four-page essay focusing on:
A specific group experiencing homelessness (for example: teens, veterans, single parents, or runaways).
The causes of homelessness for that group.
The effects of homelessness on individuals and communities.
Existing services and programs that address this issue in your selected state.
Your own recommendations or ideas for potential solutions.
Your essay should show that you’ve researched credible sources and can connect evidence to real-world problems and possible solutions.
Homelessness is a broad issue, so narrowing your topic makes your research more focused and manageable. By choosing one group and one state, you can dig deeper into the real causes, effects, and solutions instead of trying to cover everything at once.
Selecting a specific group shows how homelessness affects people differently. For example, single mothers may face different challenges than veterans or LGBTQ+ youth.
Pick your group:
Homeless veterans
Homeless teens or youth
Single mothers experiencing homelessness
Runaway youth
Families
LGBTQ+ individuals
People with disabilities
Other
Economic causes: job loss, lack of affordable housing, poverty
Social causes: domestic violence, discrimination, family conflict
Health causes: mental illness, substance use, trauma
Systemic causes: lack of access to healthcare, education, or veteran benefits
Then, explore effects, such as:
Physical and mental health impacts
Barriers to education or employment
Effects on families and communities
Or other effects that you come up with...
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