Why Millions of Full-Time Workers Struggle to Find Homes
A full-time worker sorts packages in a warehouse—yet can’t afford rent. Why the U.S. housing wage gap is leaving millions without stable homes.
Note: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
The skyrocketing cost of living has left millions of people struggling to afford a place to live despite working at full-time jobs or a number of part-time jobs. Journalist Brian Goldstone, author of “There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America,” joins Ali Rogin to discuss this growing nationwide crisis.
View the transcript of the story.
Warm-Up Questions
- Who is Brian Goldstone, and what is his background?
- What are some of the "common threads" in the stories of people who have full-time employment but struggle to find homes, according to Goldstone?
- Why is the homelessness visible on city streets only the "tip of the iceberg," according to Goldstone?
- How does "toxic stress" impact children experiencing homelessness?
- Where might changes be made to address the problem, according to Goldstone?
Essential Questions
- Author Brian Goldstone lists a number of reasons that housing is unaffordable for many Americans who work. After watching this segment, what do you think are some of the most important reasons?
- If you could make one policy change to reduce homelessness after watching this segment, what change would you make? Why?
- Media literacy: Who else would you want to hear from to better understand this story? Why do you think nobody who was experiencing homelessness despite having a job was interviewed for this segment?
Extension Activity
Examine the infographic below. Then discuss:
- Why do you think the federal minimum wage is so much lower than the wage needed to rent an apartment?
- Many states and even some cities have minimum wage levels that are higher than the federal minimum wage. As a class, look up the minimum wage in your community. Do you think this minimum should be higher or not? Why?
- What are some tradeoffs in raising minimum wage? What impact do you think it would have on your community if minimum wage is higher? Can you think of a different solution to making housing more affordable?
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