Urban Poverty and Causes of Homelessness Seminar

Winter 2009-2010

THEO 33964 / ESS 33360 / CSC 33964

Size: 11students

Location: Portland, Oregon

Immersion Dates: January 2 –10, 2010

(During winter break)

Application closed.

Fee:  $150

Additional Expenses:

Students pay for air transportation

to and from Portland, Oregon

Fees and Expenses

2009-2010 Calendar

Seminar Learning Agreement

Over 16,000 people, including more than 2,000 children, live without adequate food and shelter in the state of Oregon. Although the city of Portland, Oregon manages to provide shelter for almost half of this population, the number of individuals affected by poverty and homelessness continues to rise. This seminar examines the many myths associated with homelessness and explores the larger cycle of urban poverty from diverse interdisciplinary perspectives. Adopting a stance of solidarity and service, students will encounter the lives and stories of individuals affected by homelessness. During the week long immersion, students will visit social service agencies, non-for-profit groups, and faith-based outreach initiatives that provide relief to people living on the streets of downtown Portland. Particular attention will be paid to assessing the role of the Catholic Church in relation to poverty alleviation in this area of the country.

Contacts: