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): Julia Woodhall-Melnik, James R. Dunn, Stephen Svenson, Caroline Patterson, Flora I. Matheson
Publication Date: 2018
Abstract
Previous studies that have explored the association between childhood trauma and homelessness indicate that traumatic events can lead to survivor distrust of interpersonal relationships and institutions, prolonged homelessness and poor health and social outcomes. The majority of this literature relies on quantitative data and fails to investigate the personal experiences of childhood trauma that are found to impact housing status later i...
Author(s): Julia Woodhall-Melnik, James R. Dunn, Stephen Svenson, Caroline Patterson, Flora I. Matheson
Publication Date: 2018
Abstract
Previous studies that have explored the association between childhood trauma and homelessness indicate that traumatic events can lead to survivor distrust of interpersonal relationships and institutions, prolonged homelessness and poor health and social outcomes. The majority of this literature relies on quantitative data and fails to investigate the personal experiences of childhood trauma that are found to impact housing status later i...
Author(s): Julia Woodhall-Melnik, Sarah Hamilton-Wright, Nihaya Daoud, Flora I. Matheson, James R. Dunn, Patricia O’Campo
Publication Date: 2017
There is evidence that involuntary housing instability may undermine health and well-being. For women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV), achieving stability is likely as important for other groups, but can be challenging. Through our analysis of 41 interviews with women who have experienced low income and IPV, we argue that definitions of housing stability are multifaceted and for many centred on a shared understanding of the i...
Author(s): Julia Woodhall-Melnik, James R. Dunn, Stephen Svenson, Sarah Hamilton-Wright, Caroline Patterson, Dean Waterfield, Maritt Kirst, Flora I. Matheson
Publication Date: 2017
Recent studies found that providing low threshold access to housing increased housing stability in individuals experiencing long-term homelessness. The Housing First model, traditionally designed to assist those with complex needs, has become increasingly popular in North America and elsewhere. This study used data from semi-structured interviews with fifteen men who were enrolled in and received assistance with finding, financing and maintaining...
Author(s): Julia R. Woodhall-Melnika, James R. Dunn
Publication Date: 2015
Housing First (HF) models have gained popularity among many politicians, policy-makers, and social service providers. Proponents of this model argue for its strength by drawing on research evidence. In other words, the use of HF is deemed an ‘evidence-based practice.’ Despite this, a strong synthesis of the evidence used to champion these models is lacking. This article seeks to address this gap, with a review focused on outcomes associated with...
Author(s): Patricia A. Collins, Sarah J. Resendes, James R. Dunn
Publication Date: 2014
Background
Unlike traditional primary care centres, part of the Community Health Centre (CHC) mandate is to address upstream health determinants. In Ontario, CHCs refer to these activities as Community Initiatives (CIs); yet, little is known about how CIs operate. The objective of this study was to examine the scope, resource requirements, partnerships, successes and challenges among selected Ontario CIs.
Methods
We conducted qualitative intervie...
Mortality among residents of shelters, rooming houses, and hotels in Canada: 11 year follow-up study
Author(s): Stephen W. Hwang, Russell Wilkins, Michael Tjepkema, Patricia O'Campo, James R. Dunn
Publication Date: 2009
Objective To examine mortality in a representative nationwide sample of homeless and marginally housed people living in shelters, rooming houses, and hotels.
Design Follow-up study.
Setting Canada 1991-2001.
Participants 15, 100 homeless and marginally housed people enumerated in 1991 census.
Main outcome measures Age specific and age standardised mortality rates, remaining life expectancies at age 25, and probabilities of survival from age 25 t...
Author(s): James R. Dunn, Tania Kyle
Organization: St. Michael's Hospital; Supportive Housing Coalition of Metropolitan Toronto
Publication Date: 2004
Objective: Individuals with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) identify housing as an important factor in achieving and maintaining their health. However, many live in substandard accommodations that are physically inadequate, crowded, noisy and located in undesirable neighbourhoods. In much of the research on housing for persons with SPMI, the central outcome of interest is remaining housed; however, it is worth investigating whether ho...
Author(s): James R. Dunn
Publication Date: 2009
Two New Studies: • Regent Park Redevelopment Study • GTA West Social Housing and Health Study • both just getting underway • both receiving funding from CMHC and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research – MMAH also supporting RP study • both studies will be the first of their kind in Canada and substantially improve our knowledge of the potential health effects of housing
Author(s): Chad A. Leaver, Gordon Bargh, James R. Dunn, Stephen W. Hwang
Publication Date: 2007
The objective of this systematic review is to inform program and policy development and future research by examining the available empirical evidence on the effects of housing status on health-related outcomes in people living with HIV/AIDS. HIV infection is increasingly characterized as a chronic condition that can be managed through adherence to a healthy lifestyle, complex drug regimens, and regular treatment and monitoring. The location, q...