The response to homelessness is growing more sophisticated. Communities are recognizing that homeless youth differ from homeless adults and are beginning to reshape their services to reflect that fact. Many are seeking an end to homelessness rather than just mitigation of its harm. Some are collecting data and managing performance. The most advanced communities are pushing for a funding regime that respects their expertise. Central funders want to lay down a vision for a homeless system. At the same time, they want to leave to communities the details of how to realize that vision. This report provides recommendations for communities and central funders on how to starts small and design a funding scheme in close cooperation that works!

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy. The opinions and interpretations in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada.