Canadian Observatory on Homelessness
The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness is the largest national research institute devoted to homelessness in Canada. The COH is the curator of the Homeless Hub.
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The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness is the largest national research institute devoted to homelessness in Canada. The COH is the curator of the Homeless Hub.
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Author(s): Dorothy Badry, Christine Walsh, Meaghan Bell, Kaylee Ramage
Organization: University of Calgary Faculty of Social Work
Publication Date: 2016
This project explored the support needs of adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) within the episodically and chronically homeless population and the impact of FASD on service utilization, program compliance, and housing outcomes within the Calgary System of Care. FASD is a disability caused by prenatal alcohol exposure and can impact a person’s functional ability with regards to memory, planning, and understanding cause and effect. I...
Author(s): Dorothy Badry, Christine Walsh, Meaghan Bell, Kaylee Ramage, Julia Gibbon
Publication Date: 2015
The focus of this brief paper is to describe a current research project exploring the lived experiences of individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) who are supported by the homeless-serving sector in Calgary, Alberta. Individuals with FASD are considered vulnerable due to their disability, which often goes unrecognized and thus viewed as social, emotional and behavioral challenges. It is widely known that individuals with FASD face...
Author(s): Christine Walsh, Meaghan Bell, Nicole Jackson, John Graham, Shafak Sajid, Katrina Milaney
Organization: Calgary Homeless Foundation; University of Calgary, Faculty of Social Work
Publication Date: 2014
In response to the continued growth of family homelessness, communities across Canada are developing family-centered interventions to end homelessness and help families achieve residential stability. In Calgary, there is concern for the growing number of families entering into homelessness with Calgary’s two emergency shelters consistently at capacity. Families experiencing homelessness face a range of structural barriers, personal risk factors,...

Author(s): Jennifer Labrecque, Christine Walsh
Publisher: The Homeless Hub
Publication Date: 2012
This research examines the nature of animal caretaking among female, homeless shelter residents in Canada. It evaluates the literature on homeless women, investigates the benefits and drawbacks of companion animals, and studies the relationship between homeless populations and companion animals.
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Homeless Women's Voices on Incorporating Companion Animals into Shelter Services was published in the Anthrozoos: A Multid...
Author(s): Christine Walsh, Jennifer Newman, Becky Spencer, Katy Doucette, Jamilah Joseph, Michael Classens, Alison Thompson, Loreen Gilmour
Organization: Calgary United Way
Publication Date: 2011
United Way of Calgary and Area has a long history of commitment to supporting vulnerable youth in our city. In 2010, we undertook research into the experiences of vulnerable youth as they transition into adulthood, including the challenges and opportunities they face. The research process was comprised of a literature review, focus group discussions with 70 vulnerable youth connected with youth- serving agencies and a survey of over 400 youth fro...

Author(s): Jennifer Labrecque, Christine Walsh
Publication Date: 2011
The literature examining the relationship between homeless individuals and companion animals is scarce. To date there are only five published studies, none of which explore this issue within a Canadian context or from the perspectives of women living in homeless shelters. The benefits of companion animals with respect to enhancing the psychological and physiological well-being of their owners have been well documented. This paper examines the nat...