Laurier researchers launch homelessness learning resources for secondary schools across Canada

Secondary school teachers across Canada can now access a new suite of learning resources designed to help students better understand homelessness in their communities.

Official response and confirmed impact

Developed by a team led by two professors at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus, Creating Dialogue: Secondary School Teaching Resources on Homelessness in Canada features six flexible, evidence-based lesson plans for students in grades nine through 12.

The resources are available online, free of charge. “The homelessness crisis has risen dramatically in recent years.

Young people are bound to have questions, and there aren't many places they can turn to for answers,” said project co-lead Erin Dej, associate professor in Laurier’s Department of Criminology.

“We’re providing students and teachers with resources that explore homelessness through real-world perspectives, critical dialogue and hands-on learning activities.

We hope the lessons spark meaningful conversations and encourage critical thinking about this complex social issue.”

The lesson plans are designed to complement existing secondary school curricula, enabling teachers to integrate the content into courses ranging from civics to economics to English.

A key feature of the website is the Ontario Curriculum Finder, which allows educators to search by grade and course code to identify which lessons align with specific curriculum expectations.