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In a series of documentaries, Firsthand: Homeless will go beyond the stereotypes society often assigns to unhoused individuals through the firsthand perspectives of real people who are navigating its complexities and hardships. And through expert talks, news reporting, and conversations with thought leaders and community members, the project will explore possible solutions.

This discussion guide provides questions and resources to help viewers and community facilitators connect with the WTTW FIRSTHAND: Homeless series through a personalized reflective learning process.

By now, the cold of Chicago’s winter had set in. The frigid air was invading Laval’s tent through a recent tear. His thin fishing tent struggled against the December wind and what remained of last night’s bitter rain. Some additional tarps were helping to keep the enclosure insulated, and a friend living in an adjacent tent was helping to mend the rift in the nylon.

On top of classes, homework, and all the normal rigors of school life, thousands of Chicago Public Schools students face an even bigger hurdle each year: housing insecurity.

For much of the past decade, homelessness in Chicago has been a persistent, but largely hidden, crisis.