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This worksheet, titled "Activity Six", is designed to guide students through a research-based writing task focused on the social issues of homelessness and child poverty. The activity is inspired by the novel *Zero*, in which the protagonist grows up homeless and poor, prompting reflection on real-world societal problems.

Let’s break down the task and provide a step-by-step solution and explanation for how to complete it effectively.

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🔍 Understanding the Task

The goal is to:
1. Research homelessness and child poverty.
2. Take a stand on whether enough is being done to solve these issues.
3. Write a position paper (an argumentative essay) supporting your opinion using evidence.

A graphic organizer is provided to help structure the paper: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.

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✔ Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation

#### Step 1: Research Homelessness and Child Poverty
You need to gather reliable information about:
- Statistics: How many people are homeless? How many children live in poverty?
- Causes: Unemployment, lack of affordable housing, systemic inequality, family breakdown, etc.
- Effects: Poor health, low education outcomes, mental health struggles, intergenerational poverty.
- Current efforts: Government programs (e.g., housing vouchers), nonprofit organizations (e.g., Salvation Army, Feeding America), community shelters, policy initiatives.

📌 Example Sources:
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- U.S. Census Bureau
- National Center on Family Homelessness
- UNICEF or World Bank reports (for global context)

> 💡 Tip: Use recent data (within the last 5 years) to ensure relevance.

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#### Step 2: Make Jot Notes
Organize your research into key points:

| Category | Notes |
|--------|-------|
| Statistics | - Over 580,000 people experienced homelessness in the U.S. in 2023 (HUD).<br>- About 14% of U.S. children live below the poverty line (U.S. Census, 2022). |
| Effects | - Children in poverty are more likely to drop out of school.<br>- Homeless youth face higher risks of exploitation and mental illness. |
| Efforts to Help | - Federal housing assistance programs.<br>- School meal programs (free/reduced lunch).<br>- Nonprofits providing shelter and food. |

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#### Step 3: Take a Stand
Ask yourself:
➡️ Is enough being done to solve homelessness and child poverty?

Possible positions:
- No — not enough is being done. (Most common student stance)
- Yes — progress is being made, but challenges remain.
- We need more systemic change.

For this example, let’s take the position:
> "Not enough is being done to solve homelessness and child poverty."

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#### Step 4: Write a Position Paper Using the Graphic Organizer

Here's how to fill out the Graphic Organizer:

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📝 GRAPHIC ORGANIZER – Filled Example

| Introduction | Your Notes Here |
|------------------|---------------------|
| • Grabs the reader’s attention<br>• Your stand on the issue is made clear | Imagine a child sleeping in a car because their family can’t afford rent. This isn’t fiction—it happens every day in America. Despite growing awareness, not enough is being done to end homelessness and child poverty. We must act now to protect vulnerable children and families. |

| Body | Your Notes Here |
|---------|---------------------|
| • 2 or 3 arguments to support your position<br>• Support details and facts are needed for each argument | Argument 1: Lack of affordable housing makes homelessness inevitable.<br>→ In cities like Los Angeles and New York, rent has doubled in the past decade while wages have barely increased.<br>→ HUD reports that only 1 in 4 low-income households qualifies for rental assistance.<br><br>Argument 2: Child poverty affects long-term outcomes.<br>→ Kids in poverty are less likely to graduate high school or attend college.<br>→ According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, children in poverty are twice as likely to suffer from chronic health conditions.<br><br>Argument 3: Current government programs are underfunded and insufficient.<br>→ Only 1 in 4 eligible families receives food stamps.<br>→ Many shelters are overcrowded and unsafe, especially for women and children. |

| Conclusion | Your Notes Here |
|---------------|---------------------|
| • Review your main points<br>• Leave the reader with a strong impression | Homelessness and child poverty are not just numbers—they represent real lives at risk. While some programs exist, they fall short due to lack of funding and political will. We must demand stronger policies, more funding, and greater compassion. Ending poverty is not a luxury—it’s a moral obligation. Let’s build a future where no child sleeps on the streets. |

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✍️ Final Position Paper (Based on Organizer)

> Title: Not Enough Is Being Done to End Homelessness and Child Poverty

Imagine a child sleeping in a car because their family can’t afford rent. This isn’t fiction—it happens every day in America. Despite growing awareness, not enough is being done to end homelessness and child poverty. We must act now to protect vulnerable children and families.

One major reason homelessness persists is the lack of affordable housing. In cities like Los Angeles and New York, rent has doubled in the past decade while wages have barely increased. According to HUD, only 1 in 4 low-income households qualifies for rental assistance. Without stable housing, families are forced into shelters or the streets—especially during emergencies like job loss or medical crises.

Child poverty also has devastating long-term effects. Kids in poverty are less likely to graduate high school or attend college. They are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions and mental health struggles. The Annie E. Casey Foundation reports that children in poverty are twice as likely to face serious health issues. These challenges follow them into adulthood, creating cycles of poverty that are hard to break.

Even though government programs exist—like food stamps and housing vouchers—they are often underfunded and inaccessible. Only 1 in 4 eligible families receives food assistance, and many shelters are overcrowded and unsafe. While nonprofits do incredible work, they cannot replace the need for systemic change.

Homelessness and child poverty are not just numbers—they represent real lives at risk. While some programs exist, they fall short due to lack of funding and political will. We must demand stronger policies, more funding, and greater compassion. Ending poverty is not a luxury—it’s a moral obligation. Let’s build a future where no child sleeps on the streets.

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✔ Summary of Key Points

- Research is essential — use credible sources.
- Take a clear stand — be honest about your opinion.
- Use evidence — statistics, facts, and real-life examples strengthen your argument.
- Structure matters — follow the graphic organizer to create a logical flow.
- Engage the reader — start with a powerful hook and end with a call to action.

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🎯 Final Tips

- Cite your sources if required (e.g., "According to the U.S. Census Bureau...").
- Avoid emotional language without facts—balance empathy with evidence.
- Proofread for grammar and clarity.

By following this plan, you’ll write a compelling, well-researched position paper that meets the goals of Activity Six.