Bias and the Client Relationship
Before you begin this assignment, consider your thoughts about the following questions regarding homelessness:
What puts individuals at risk for becoming homeless?
Why do individuals become homeless?
Who is homeless in this country?

Why do individuals stay homeless?
Then watch the following video about Michael’s struggle with homelessness, family tragedy, and cancer in middle adulthood. As you are watching the video, take note of the biological, psychological, and social factors that Michael is struggling with. Allow yourself to be open to how you feel about this man’s situation.
Homeless Man Shares Heartbreaking Story of Family Tragedy and Cancer (Invisible People, 2018)
Assignment Directions

Use the Unit 8 Assignment Template to complete this assignment.
Please address all of the following:

Identify one biological, one psychological, and one social factor that Michael is struggling with.

What services/interventions would you recommend for Michael? Identify one service for each factor that you listed above.
If you had the opportunity to talk with Michael, what two questions would you ask him?
Reflect on the initial thoughts you had on homelessness. How did understanding Michael’s experience change or contradict the biases you held?
How does bias impact how we respond to and provide services for the homeless population?
How will you identify and resolve your own bias when working in this field?