2. Where do I start? To begin, think about a cause, issue, problem, or event that has gotten your attention You need some prior knowledge before you decide what you will research (to be sure that it is what you think it is, and to possibly narrow your topic)

3. My starting point… It has been SO cold lately, I’ve been thinking more and more about how thankful I am to have a warm home… Homelessness in America Remember: problem/solution paper How does this sound as a topic? Would it work? Do you anticipate any problems with it?

4. What’s my next step? I need to be sure this is a viable topic… Do some research. Where should I look? Be sure the information is current Be sure this is something I want to know more about

5. Here’s what I found… Families comprise nearly 40% of all who are homeless. According to the 2010 US Conference of Mayors report, Family homelessness increased by 9% that year 42% of homeless children are under the age of 6 More than 15% of Americans live in poverty, including one in five children (22%), the highest rate in the industrialized world There is no city or county anywhere in the United States where a worker making the minimum wage can afford a fair market rate one-bedroom apartment. Veterans are 50% more likely to become homeless than other Americans due to poverty, lack of support networks, and dismal living conditions in overcrowded or substandard housing.

6. Reflection: result of early search Will this work? I need to narrow it down: there are a lot of causes to homelessness. It is a BIG topic If I leave it too broad, how will I be able to research a solution? I need to narrow it down

7. What should I do next? Figure out a way to narrow it down based on what impacted me What really struck me though was homelessness among veterans Think about solutions—remember that there is a SOLUTION portion of the paper, so pick a topic that will lend itself to a solution My new topic: homelessness in America among veterans

8. Do a bit more research to be sure Number of veterans as of Sept. 2009: approximately 23 million 76,000 homeless veterans sleeping on American streets. About 1.5 million veterans are considered at-risk of homelessness. Research shows that the greatest risk factors for homelessness are lack of support and social isolation after discharge. Veterans have low marriage rates and high divorce rates; Currently, 1 in 5 veterans is living alone. Social networks are particularly important for those who have a crisis or need temporary help. Without this assistance, they are at high risk for homelessness. Veterans are 50% more likely to become homeless than other Americans due to poverty, lack of support networks, and dismal living conditions in overcrowded or substandard housing.

9. The Proposal Will this work as topic? Yes: narrow, has specific cause=can be solved, plenty of facts/information, I am interested in learning more Fill out the proposal form for Option 1 be convincing because you might be in competition against your peers BUT…since only ONE person per class can select a topic, you need a second option Pick a topic for #2; it can be totally different or somewhat related My second choice: homelessness among families, specifically homeless children