The New Leaf Project Society piloted a project titled New Leaf Project.
 
The objective of this 12-month project was to pilot and test an intervention, new in Canada, that would prevent those who are recently or newly homeless from becoming entrenched in homelessness.
 
The project employed a direct-giving approach, which is an internationally recognized best practice that empowers vulnerable populations to choose their path out of poverty, based on their own particular context.
 
To test this approach, the project awarded a one-time cash grants to people who recently had become homeless in Vancouver and tested this direct-giving approach over the course of one (1) year to demonstrate reduced shelter stays and how it promotes better employment, housing and psycho-social outcomes.
 
This project was funded by the Government of Canada's Homelessness Partnering Strategy’s Innovative Solutions to Homelessness program. The opinions and interpretations provided in the publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada.