The Oasis - The Realities of Youth Homelessness

Students view a YouTube clip that explores the concept of couch surfing, and reflect on the situation faced by many young people who are experiencing homelessness. Students consider the impact of couch surfing using data collected around the issue of homelessness. Students explore the idea that couch surfing is an unstable form of accommodation and consider other, more long-term solutions to youth homelessness. Students then create an advertisement raising awareness about youth homelessness to encourage support for young people experiencing homelessness.

Key ideas to explore:

• Negative stereotypes are sometimes attached to people experiencing homelessness.
• A more realistic view of the problem of youth homelessness is needed in order to help address the issue.
• There are many ways to effectively challenge and address negative stereotypes about youth homelessness.