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RESEARCH IMPACT!

RESEARCH IMPACT!. How Research Can Contribute to Ending Homelessness. Stephen Gaetz Director, Canadian Homelessness Research Network Faculty of Education, York University. Kelowna Housing First conference. Part 1. What role can research play?.

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RESEARCH IMPACT!

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  1. RESEARCH IMPACT! How Research Can Contribute to Ending Homelessness • Stephen Gaetz • Director,Canadian Homelessness Research Network • Faculty of Education, York University Kelowna Housing First conference

  2. Part 1 What role can research play?

  3. Homelessness is a seemingly intractable problem in Canada

  4. Research Policy Makers Researchers Service Providers

  5. Three Uses of Research • Conceptual • Instrumental • Symbolic • (Amara, Ouimet, Landry, 2004)

  6. Conceptual research Contributes to the: “subtle but potentially weighty shifts in knowledge, understanding and discourse, can be hugely significant in policy and practice settings, not just as a means to more instrumental impacts from research but as an end in themselves.” (Sandra Nutley).

  7. Conceptual research

  8. Instrumental research Evaluation research that answers key questions: What works, for whom and in what contexts?

  9. A good example . . .

  10. Symbolic research . . . involves using research results to legitimate and sustain arguments, strategies and positions.

  11. Symbolic research

  12. Research Evidence Matters!

  13. Part 2 Supporting Data Management

  14. Data gathering on the front lines is important!

  15. Why collect data? • Reporting out to funders • Helps you understand your clients better • Case management • Supports planning and continuous improvement

  16. Chronicity • Transitional - 88-94% • Episodic – 3-11% • Chronic – 2-4% Aubry et al., 2013

  17. Information Management Systems

  18. Information Management Systems • Important resource for: • Integrated systems coordination • Measuring progress • Evaluation and continuous improvement • case management

  19. Information Management Systems • Challenges: • Local capacity • Bringing people along • (Agency resistance) • Using data • Freedom of information

  20. HIFIS • NEW and IMPROVED!!!!! • Enables integrated systems coordination • Supports efforts to measure progress • Enables case management • Not just for shelters • Includes some common data elements • Can add custom fields • Technical support for implementation • Positive feedback from pilot users

  21. Part 3 A Shared Definitionof Homelessness

  22. WHY do we need a definition of homelessness?

  23. A shared definition of Homelessness allows us to: • Share a common language about homelessness • More easily enumerate the problem • Evaluate outcomes and progress • Coordinate responses to homelessness • Develop stronger policy responses

  24. Canadian Definition of Homelessness I. DEFINITION Homelessness describes the situation of an individual or family without stable, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it. It is the result of systemic or societal barriers, a lack of affordable and appropriate housing, the individual/household’s financial, mental, cognitive, behavioural or physical challenges, and/or racism and discrimination. Most people do not choose to be homeless, and the experience is generally negative, unpleasant, stressful and distressing.

  25. Canadian Definition of Homelessness • TYPOLOGY

  26. Part 4 Point-in-Time Counts

  27. You’ve got to be careful, because if you don’t know where you are going, you might not get there.” Yogi Berra

  28. Street Counts • Important for establishing baselines and measuring progress. There is a need for: • Wider adoption • Common methodology • Common definition • Aligning timing • Resourcing communities to do the work

  29. PIT Counts in Canada • Only 22 communities across Canada have ever done a PIT, of these only 5 report planning future counts: • Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, Kamloops • Communities are using different methods, definitions – difficult to aggregate data and analyze; • Consistency within and between counts is critical (Stroick, 2009). • Estimated 200,000 Canadians are homeless (State of Homelessness report, 2013) BUT no national count has ever been implemented.

  30. Who gets counted?

  31. Why do a Count? It tells us how we are doing. • We can’t really measure progress on ending homelessness unless we establish a baseline.

  32. What’s in it for your community? • Conducting a Point in Time Count ALSO allows you to: • Better understand the homeless population; • Make contact with hard to reach homeless people in your community; • Raise public awareness about homelessness; • Support systems planning and program development; • Undertake a needs assessment that can help you more effectively plan services.

  33. Point in Time Tool Kit • Standardized Questions • Methodology • Training resources • Technical support

  34. Point in Time Tool Kit Its FREE!!

  35. Part 5 Research Resources

  36. www.homelesshub.ca

  37. New and improved Homeless Hub www.homelesshub.ca

  38. New section on “Solutions”

  39. At Home / Chez Soi Tool Kit

  40. Coming this Monday!

  41. Part 6 About Housing First

  42. New book on Housing First

  43. about what Housing First is . . .

  44. Clarity about what HF is Fidelity to core principles Distinguish between philosophy, system and program Quality assurance matters! Evaluation is important

  45. Housing First Framework CORE PRINCIPLES Immediate access to permanent housing with no housing readiness requirements. Consumer choice and self-determination. Recovery orientation. Individualized and client-driven supports. Social and community integration.

  46. The Application of Housing First Philosophy Integrated System Approach Program Models Team interventions Assertive Community Treatment Intensive Case Management Rapid Rehousing

  47. Key Supports Complementary Supports Clinical Supports Housing Supports • Health • Mental health • Addictions • Help finding housing • Negotiate with landlords • Build relations with landlords • Obtaining rent subsidies • Setting up apartment • Landlord mediation • Develop skills for independent living • Life skills • - Relationships • - Conflict resolution • - Meaningful activities • - Volunteering • Income supports • - Finding work • - Education • Training • Community engagement

  48. Lessons Learned Clarity of roles Sorting out who does what

  49. Planning Issues Embed Housing First in a broader planning framework Bring in the experts Adapt program to the local context Partnerships

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