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): Amanda Buchnea, Jenn Legate, Mary-Jane McKitterick, Erika Morton
Organization: Systems Planning Collective (SPC), Niswi Kwe Consulting Group, SPC Community of Practice
Publisher: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press
Publication Date: 2021
This Preliminary Report captures insights from a literature scan and conversations that have emerged out of the SPC’s Community of Practice meetings and Key Informant interviews with CoP members and partner organizations working to prevent and end homelessness. We present a range of topics, tensions, opportunities and questions that communities and the Systems Planning Collective will continue to unpack together and translate into action-oriented...

Author(s): David French, Amanda Buchnea, Erika Morton
Organization: A Way Home Canada, Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, National Learning Community on Youth Homelessness
Publisher: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press
Publication Date: 2021
A priority for A Way Home Canada and the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness is to assess youth-serving organizations’ engagement and comfort levels with two core features of Reaching Home: Coordinated Access Systems (CAS) and Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS) or Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS) for data management. CASs are often used to connect people who are chronically homeless to local programs an...

Author(s): Amanda Buchnea, Mary-Jane McKitterick
Organization: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, A Way Home Canada
Publisher: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press
Publication Date: 2020
The gaps and weaknesses in our social safety net have been laid bare when we see the impacts of the pandemic on young people at-risk of or experiencing homelessness and the youth-serving sector itself. Understanding the youth-serving sector’s need for early-stage, applied research and evidence on the impacts of COVID-19, A Way Home Canada and the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness conducted an initial survey in March, 2020 to identify the emerg...

Author(s): David French, Mary-Jane McKitterick, Amanda Buchnea
Publication Date: 2020
The COVID-19 crisis is disproportionately affecting people that are precariously housed, homeless, and/or lack access to hygiene and space for physical distancing. For young people, access to stable housing and supports to cope during and after the crisis are essential. Meeting basic needs, navigating the housing and income support systems, staying connected to education/training, and receiving mental health supports are ongoing priorities for yo...