Genre: Nonfiction--The Essay

1. Bellwork:1. Head a new sheet of paper appropriately and title it “Homelessness: stereotypes and problem & solution.”2. Draw the KWL chart below and complete the “K” & “W” (what you know & what you want to know) on your paper.

2. “Homeless” Anna QuindlenObjective(s): 1. to identify & explain a stereotype.2. to be able to write a problem-solution paragraph that identifies various reasons for and solutions to homelessness & write a bibliographic entry based on a website. The essay was first published in 1989 in Living Out Loud. It takes place in the mid- to late ‘80s, and the writer is reflecting on her encounter with a homeless woman.

3. Genre: Nonfiction--The Essay • An essay is a short piece of nonfiction writing on a single topic. (for example, the psychological effects of homelessness) • The purpose of an essay is to communicate an idea or opinion. • Two types of essays: • Formal: serious and impersonal • Informal: may be written in a more conversational style

4. Literary Focus: Stereotype: a generalization about an entire group of people in which individual differences are overlooked • Myth or Fact? Homeless people could get jobs, they are just too lazy or don’t want to work. • Answer: MYTH! Most homeless people are incredibly hard-working and often have more than one job but still can’t afford to pay rent. • Myth or Fact? Homelessness is too big of an issue for me to help solve, there is no hope. • Answer: MYTH! There are lots of ways that you can help the homeless. (something simple as donating clothes or school supplies) Can you think of a few stereotypes applied to a person who is homeless??

5. Homelessness… Who? Why? What can be done? • According to a study in 2007, 3.5 million people (1.35 million children) are likely to experience homelessness in a given year. • A study in 2007 reported the following: • 42% African American 39% Caucasian • 13% Hispanic 4% Native American 2% Asian. • Reasons for Homlessness: • Some people who are homeless… • do not make enough money to pay rent even if they work every single day. • work two minimum wage jobs and still do not have enough money to afford rent. • are because there are not as many jobs available. • have a disability and can’t work or take care of themselves • can’t afford the proper treatment or medication to help themselves. http://nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/Fact%20Sheet%20and%20LessonPlan-6-8.pdf

6. ON YOUR OWN: Facts about Homelessness: Why are people homeless? http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/why.html How many people experience homelessness? http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/How_Many.html Who is homeless? http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/who.html

7. Questions: “Homeless” by Anna Quindlen 1. What household objects does the author cherish? 2. According to the essay, what options for shelter exist for people without homes? 3. Why, do you think, did Quindlen choose to open her essay with Ann’s name? 4. What, in your opinion, was the significance of the picture for Ann? 5. What conflicts do some homeless people face when considering shelter options? 6. How does the essay reflect or enhance your understanding of the problem of homelessness? 7. What is one stereotype of “homeless people” that Quindlenrefers to? 8. According to the essay, what is the effect of stereotyping on people without homes?

8. Problem-Solution ParagraphOutline of Components: 1. Problem: (Topic Sentence) State the problem. (Homelessness in the United States) 2. Causes/Reasons for homelessness: (3 reasons) http://nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/why.html 3. Solution to homelessness: (3 solutions) (no true “solution,” only assistance) (*Also refer to your notes.) http://nationalhomeless.org/donate/index.html 4. Clincher/Closing Sentence: (Result of Solution) (The sentence must remind the readers of the subject and include a final comment about the benefit(s) of the solution.)

9. Problem-Solution Paragraph:Homelessness The number of people who are homeless in the United States is too high. According to the website, some reasons why people are homeless are decreases in public assistance, such as Social Security; low wages; and mental or emotional disorders, such as Severe Depression.Although there is no true solution to prevent homelessness, people can help. A few ways are by donating money to the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH), donating an item from the NCH website wish list, or purchasing a book from the NCH website. In conclusion, donating money and/or items can help organizations bring awareness to the public, which could lead to more aid for the homeless.

10. Format for a Website or Webpage Works Cited Entry: Author's last name, first name (if available). "Title of work within a project or database." Title of site, project, or database. Editor (if available). Electronic publication information (Date of publication or of the latest update, and name of any sponsoring institution or organization). Date of access and <full URL>. “How Many People Experience Homelessness?” National Coalition for the Homeless. 15 Dec. 2011. 6 Nov. 2012 http://nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/How_Many.html.

11. Works Cited Page: REVIEW • “How Many People Experience Homelessness?” National Coalition for the Homeless. 15 Dec. 2011. 6 Nov. 2012 http://nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/How_Many.html. • “Who is Homeless?” National Coalition for the Homeless. 15 Dec. 2011. 6 Nov. 2012 http://nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/who.html. • “Why Are People Homeless?” National Coalition for the Homeless. 15 Dec. 2011. 6 Nov. 2012 http://nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/why.html.

12. Homework: • Write a problem-solution paragraph about homelessness. • Use the outline and example paragraph from class as a guide for writing the paragraph. • (We will review Works Cited Entries in class tomorrow.)