Housing Rights – issues of being Unhoused or experiencing homeless / Optional (Choose 2)

The housing crisis has only escalated the risk factors various communities face in our society. Inflation and economy is not the focus of this class, so remember to focus on the impact the housing crisis has on individuals and families.

Consider how unhoused people are living on the streets — off the freeways, in local parks, in vacant parking lots, or in groups of tents — and are trying to meet their everyday needs, such as food, water, shelter, suitable suiting, basic hygiene, physical health, mental health, etc.

Watch this video to learn more about the unhoused communities in Seattle.

Watch this video to hear from people who have experienced being unhoused.

Consider how the housing crisis has affected middle-class families, or single-renting individuals.

• How the prices of renting have drastically increased in response to the increasing costs of home ownership?
• How are vulnerable communities listed in this Pressbooks each affected by the challenges society presents, especially in terms of affordable, adequate housing?
• What local resources or programs are available in your community?

Directions: Choose 2 articles to read.

Aguilar Ramirez, Michelle. “Shivering, Cold, Praying to Get Out. A Seattle-Area Teen on Surviving Homelessness.” NPR-KUOW, 7 Nov. 2019.

Berg, Alison; Peterson, William. “Excluded: Denver’s Unhoused Transgender Population Faces Violence and Barriers to Housing.” Rocky Mountain PBS, 30 Aug 2023.

Fraieli, Andrew; Love, Olivia Jewell; Colorado Community Media. “One Paycheck Away: Homelessness Is a Series of Trapdoors of Addiction, Low Wages, and More.” Rocky Mountain PBS, rmpbs.org, 5 Feb. 2023.

Riddle, Katia. “A Couple Survived Five Years on the Streets. A New Home Brings Joy – and Uncertainty.” The Guardian, 19 Aug. 2023.