Thanks for all the replies. I was considering this change firstly just because I want to have the experience of doing it. Secondly, this bike, as it is now seems small to me. I am 5' 5" so I assume shorter than the average person who might end up with these. I know you can't "cure" an improper frame size by these types of changes, but I think raising the bars and seat would improve it somewhat. Also, many of the homeless I see are juggling possessions etc. and I think the drop bars would add to the awkwardness. I do have a bike co-op close by where I can probably get the levers cheaply, especially now that the shifters won't have to be changed.
Does anyone know offhand what size bars these use? I can take them off first and measure, but I may want to go to the co-op first. Online I see a lot of 25.4. I assume you would just measure the diameter of the bars where they fit into the stem?