Housing First Program Evaluation
RainCity Housing and Support Society engaged CitySpaces Consulting to undertake an external evaluation of the Housing First Program — one of the major component’s of RainCity Housing’s portfolio. This three-year evaluation will include annual reporting. The purpose of the evaluation is to:

• Determine the effectiveness of RainCity’s model of Housing First; and

• Describe and measure the outcomes and achievements of RainCity’s Housing First Program.

The results of the evaluation will:

• Lead to regular improvements to the Housing First Program model; and

• Enable RainCity staff to report on program outcomes to funders, stakeholders and other service providers.

The evaluation is based on a set of indicators and data collection tools that were developed in consultation with RainCity staff and management between 2009 and 2011. The tools and indicators that were identified reflect RainCity’s client-centred approach and program model and recognize the individualized nature of tenant outcomes. In particular, the indicators and evaluation framework acknowledge that each tenant will measure success relative to their own starting point and circumstances and that their outcomes cannot necessarily be compared to a pre-determined notion of success or how other tenants are doing.

RainCity’s Housing First Program Model

Traditionally, there was a view that homeless individuals needed to become “housing ready” before being placed in permanent housing. This would involve a period of transitional housing and access to treatment and other programs. In contrast, “Housing First” approaches are based on the belief that stable housing enables individuals to better address their barriers to employment, addictions and poor health. Research has shown that formerly homeless individuals, even those with multiple barriers, can successfully maintain their housing when they have supports in place appropriate to their needs.

PROJECT TEAM:

Brenda McBain    Noha Sedky