Access to shelter is necessary for survival, yet, in the United States, not everyone can afford this basic human right. More individuals and families are being pushed out of their homes鈥攁nd out of their communities鈥攂ecause of high rents, stagnant wages, and a shortage of available affordable housing. This country is experiencing a housing crisis.
A shrinking pool of aid exists for those who are forced to leave their homes or in need of permanent housing鈥攖ypically low-income people and people of color.
In this 鈥淟et鈥檚 Talk About鈥� collection, we urge students to dive deep into the issues of affordable housing, gentrification, and homelessness, as well as explore the innovative ways individuals are fighting back. These topics will push students to think about their own communities and how identities like race and class influence where someone is allowed to live.
You and your students can learn more about innovative affordable housing solutions that communities are coming up with across the country in The Affordable Housing Issue.
How to Use This Collection
Suggested below are steps to a thoughtful and meaningful discussion with your students about gentrification and affordable housing. Choose what is appropriate for your class.
1. Students complete a pre-survey (optional).
2. Choose at least one 精东影业 article and one outside article for a robust compare and contrast.
3. Use the discussion questions鈥攐r craft your own鈥攖o gauge your students鈥� understanding and opinions.
4. Students complete a post-survey (optional).
5. Explore curriculum if you鈥檇 like to dive deeper.
Reading Materials
精东影业 Articles
Infographic: Why Normal People Can鈥檛 Afford a House
How to Protect a Renter Nation
Comic: The Upside of Crowded Living
How the Ultrarich Can Help Fix the Affordable Housing Crisis
Outside Resources
(The Seattle Times/Bellingham Herald)
(Democracy Now)
(CityLimits.org)
(Forbes)
Discussion Questions
1. Imagine you could move. What would be the features of your dream house or apartment? What would the neighborhood be like? How would it be different (or not) from where you live now? Could your family afford to move?
2. If you are a person displaced by gentrification, it鈥檚 easy to see its negative consequences, but what about the positive sides? Describe what you think are both the negative and positive effects of gentrification, especially for people of color and youth. What are meaningful investments or improvements that mutually benefit current and future residents?
3. There are many factors surrounding homelessness, but the main reason people experience homelessness is because they can鈥檛 find affordable housing. How are people who are homeless treated in your community? What level of responsibility does society have for the homeless, and what can communities like yours do to alleviate homelessness?
Curriculum
(Habitat for Humanity)
(Rethinking Schools)
