Alternative Research Requirement
(Worth 50 points)
OBJECTIVES:
- This is an alternative to the traditional research paper that allows students to spend more time serving the homeless, while also learning more about the relevant literature on homelessness and indigent populations.
- Provide much needed help to an indigent individual or family (i.e., case project).
- Learn more about the needs of similar individuals both locally and nationally.
- Learn more about both government and private services offered that pertain to your case project.
- Learn more about laws and rules that pertain to your specific case project.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Find a specific service project that will help someone who is presently homeless or at risk for homelessness. For example, you may help a family to avoid being evicted or to comply with rules by cleaning their homes and removing clutter. Another example might be tutoring a child or being a friend to a child who is struggling due to poverty and other related circumstances. The specific project or activities should be discussed with Dr. Drinnon.
- Identify the most important needs of the person(s) and help them find the best resources to meet those needs. For example, the need may be as simple as housekeeping advice or as complex as getting counseling and government assistance. Help the person(s) meet specific goals to the best of your ability (in terms of time, resources, etc.). There is no set time requirement for helping but this should be above and beyond your 10 hour service requirement.
- Research everything relevant to your case. This may include finding out more about local and national services, benefits, grants, etc. It may also include learning more about laws and rules that affect people in the same situation. Finally, you must review the research literature for facts, findings, or theories that are relevant to your case project or broader issues. For example, if you helped someone to avoid being evicted you should find out more about eviction laws, agencies that can help, such as Good Samaritan and legal aid. Furthermore, you should consider all of the factors that contributed to the person(s) plight, such as limited education, social support, and mental illness.
- Write a brief a brief report of your case and related findings. Include references and citations. (Format to be discussed later)