Theories of Relativity

By: Barbara Haworth-Attard

1. Based on the title, what do you think the book
might be about?
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2. Looking at the cover, what do you think the book
might be about?
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3. What might be some emerging themes?
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4. Write down whether you agree or disagree with the following statements. Then, write a
sentence response explaining your opinion.
● Taxpayer money should be used to pay for treatment programs for substance abusers.

● I plan to study, work hard, and pay my own way. Why should I help people who don’t do
this?

● All people in Canada should have a right to adequate housing, just like they have a right
to an education and to health care.

● There is nothing I can do to end homelessness

● Taxpayer money should be used to pay for treatment programs for substance abusers.

● Welfare is enough to live off of.

5. Homelessness: True and False
● All people who are homeless live on the street. T F
● People who are homeless are lazy and don’t want to get a job. T F
● People who are homeless sometimes have pets for companionship. T F
● It would be cool to be homeless because you could go anywhere you want. T F
● All people who are homeless are addicted to drugs or alcohol. T F
● Mental illness is the main reason people are homeless. T F
● There are no homeless children. T F
● All panhandlers (people who ask for money) are homeless. T F
● Homeless people are in all communities, not just big cities. T F
● Homelessness is just a fact of life; there is nothing we can do about it. T F

Homelessness Scenario: Imagine that you must vacate/leave your home. You have only 15 minutes to
choose what to take with you. Anything you pick must be able to fit into a backpack. Illustrate.
What do you choose to take? What did you leave behind?

Reflection:
1. Do you know anyone who is or has been homeless at some time in their life?

2. What kinds of people are generally homeless?

3. Do you think you could ever be homeless? Why/why not?

4. If you were homeless what would your priorities be? How would you try to survive?

5. What do you do or think when you see a homeless person?

6. If you were homeless, what would you try to do to get off the streets?