Resources for Teachers

Lesson Plans

Unsheltered Lives is a curriculum guide developed by COTS for students in grades K-12. It is filled with exercises and ideas designed to get students thinking about homelessness. Please note: This guide is currently being updated with new statistics and additional resources, but the curriculum ideas remain current.

Reading Guide

Talking to students about homelessness can be difficult but teachers might find this guide helpful for picking age-appropriate literature for students learning about hunger and homelessness. Try integrating a service project for COTS into the lesson as well, or have a speaker come into your classroom.

FOR Grades K-3:

A Castle on Viola Street

By DyAnne DiSalvo, HarperCollins (2001)

Andy and his family live in a worn out apartment building until they learn of an organization (similar to Habitat for Humanity) that fixes up houses for those in need. The family volunteers their time to help other families and eventually earn a house of their own.

A Shelter in Our Car

By Monica Gunning, Illustrated by Elaine Pedlar, Children’s Book Press (2004)

Tells the story of a Jamaican immigrant who is working to save up money for an apartment for herself and her daughter. In the meantime, the two are forced to live in their car. By the end, the mother secures a job and the two move into a motel room.

Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen

By DyAnne DiSalvo, Harper Collins (1997)

Willie’s nephew accompanies him on an after-school excursion to a local community kitchen. Gives a real-life portrayal of what it is like to work in a soup kitchen.



Fly Away Home

By Eve Bunting, Illustrated by Ronald Himler, Sandpiper (1993)

Depicts the tale of a boy and his father living in the airport. Follows the boy and his father as they try to remain unnoticed in the unusual environment.

The Lady in the Box

By Ann McGovern, Illustrated by Marni Backer, Turtle Books (1999)

Tells the story of two children who take an interest in a woman named Dorris who is living in a box outside of the Circle Deli. The two children get their mother involved when the Deli tries to have the woman moved away from the storefront.

Lily and the Paper Man

By Rebecca Upjohn, Illustrated by Renee Benoit, Second Story Press (2007)

Shows the evolution of a young girl’s feelings (from fear to empathy) regarding a nearby homeless man.

FOR High School/ College:

Rachel and Her Children: Homeless Families in America

by Jonathan Kozol

Breakfast at Sally's: One Homeless Man's Inspirational Journey

by Richard LeMieux

Without a Net: Middle Class and Homeless (with Kids) in America: My Story

By Michelle Kennedy

Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America

by Barbara Ehrenreich

There Are No Children Here: The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in The Other America

by Alex Kotlowitz

Looking for more resources?

Check out our Video Library and these Helpful Links.