Review the Academic Content Standards related to this lesson. Adopt the perspective of an assigned character with concerns about your city's homeless and reflect on how the character might address concerns and suggestions expressed at a town hall meeting. Identify needs that the homeless have and investigate where in your community those needs are met. Imagine that you are the person on your slip of paper. Think about what your perspective on the homeless might be.
Students then share and discuss their responses.
As a class, brainstorm the different ways that you can help the homeless. Then, divide students into groups of four or five, and give each group a local phone book. Assign each group a basic need of the homeless, and have the groups look up where these needs are met in your community. Students must volunteer at their group's selected site, but they may also volunteer with other groups. Be sure to volunteer with each group of students.