Housing solutions for justice-involved and unhoused populations

This research project aims to break the cycle of justice involvement and homelessness by identifying and evaluating effective community-based housing solutions. By conducting case-based evaluations of housing programs in Ontario, the project will gather valuable insights. The goal is to develop a comprehensive blueprint for designing impactful housing programs within the justice sector.

Project scope and expected outcomes

Researching the link between justice and homelessness

Research by the John Howard Society of Ontario and the Social Research and Demonstration Corporation highlights a growing link between homelessness and justice system involvement. People facing homelessness are at higher risk of imprisonment and those leaving prison are more likely to become homeless.

However, there is no clear approach to breaking this cycle. While community organizations offer services, data from their approaches and models has not been collected and evaluated. This research project will fill the gap in understanding by identifying, evaluating and highlighting effective housing solutions and models in Ontario. The goal is to identify housing solutions that help people in breaking the cycle of homelessness and justice system involvement.

Evaluations to develop housing blueprint

An advisory committee of academic experts, service providers and other stakeholders will guide and support this project.

Together, the research team and advisory committee will identify up to 6 innovative and relevant housing services and programs for evaluation. The team will work with each program to co-develop independent evaluation plans and tools that fit their specific needs.

During evaluations, researchers will conduct qualitative interviews with 10 to 15 participants at each site. Participants can also choose to provide their feedback through a survey if they prefer, ensuring accessibility.

Researchers will also survey staff at community organizations that have acted as partners or referral sources to the program. The surveys will gather staff experiences, as well as challenges, gaps and issues faced by program clients.

Key outcome: Tools to develop effective housing solutions

The key outcome of this project will be to develop and share several resources with service providers to help them develop effective programs and services. The resources will include:

• A report outlining the findings and highlighting key program elements that effectively address homelessness for justice-involved populations.
• An inventory of services or a blueprint for creating impactful housing program designs.

By sharing these tools, the project will help service providers to create solutions that better support individuals facing homelessness and justice system involvement.