miércoles, 30 de enero de 2013

Talking point: Homelessness

This week's talking point is Homelessness. Before getting together with the members of your conversation group think about the answers to the questions below, which you can use as a springboard for the discussion.


Do the homeless share some characteristics?
How does a homeless person end up being homeless?
What's a homeless person typical day like?
How do they get food and 'accommodation'?
What roles do families and friends play in the life of a homeless person?
To what extent are governemts to blame for the situation of the homeless?
What should governemts do to reduce the problem?
Can ordinary people help the homeless?


To gain further insight into the topic you can read Susan Saulny's article for The New York Times AFTER RECESSION MORE YOUNG ADULTS ARE LIVING ON THE STREET.

In the video below Susan Saulny  talks with some young people who have been mentioned in her article and who are struggling with homelessness as a result of the recession and the economic crisis.



You may also be interested in the video listening activity Homelessness, which we published in June last year, about the charity Home for Good.

Shelter is a UK charity which provides for the homeless and so is The Big Issue.