Funding Opportunity: Research and Planning Fund call for submissions

The National Housing Strategy’s Research and Planning Fund provides support to not-for-profit organizations, registered charities and Indigenous organizations and governments for housing-related research.

The Research and Planning Fund’s goal is to maximize the potential for housing research outside of the government. It supports the creation and development of research and evidence to understand and overcome housing challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The fund helps promote interest, involvement and capacity building in housing research outside of government.

Apply for the 2022 Research and Planning Fund

The Research and Planning Fund has 4 streams. Each has unique criteria.

1. Individual research projects
2. Programs of research
3. Planning activities designed to identify research priorities or lay the groundwork for research
4. Knowledge mobilization projects

Learn more about each stream and see what previous fund recipients have researched.

Identifying the Foundations: Cultural Perspectives and Solutions for Indigenous Housing in Calgary

The city of Calgary is the largest urban centre accessible to 7 First Nation communities in Treaty 7 territory, Alberta Métis members and Inuit. This hub, however, lacks housing that is culturally appropriate for a diverse, growing and increasingly urban Indigenous population.

This research project examines housing needs from the perspective of the Indigenous tenants, community members and stakeholders. Its focus is on creating culturally informed Indigenous housing and improving housing stability for Indigenous community members.

To improve community integration and reduce evictions, the research team recommends establishing targets for Indigenous tenancy and allocating a percentage of housing units specifically to Indigenous tenants. Providing Indigenous personalized client support and education on their tenant rights, basic housing maintenance and community resources is also key to success.

The team also found that successful housing models include improved assess to ceremonial spaces, community integration and kin relationships.

HABITAT: Homes adapted to individual needs and technologies accessible to all!

The HABITAT research project combines smart technologies and adapted housing to improve the independence and well-being of autistic adults. It uses 2 test residential environments managed by the Véro and Louis Foundation and Fondation les Petits Rois.

The HABITAT research project combines personalized technology such as tablets and apps and adapted housing to help remove barriers that autistic residents face. Support is provided to residents, caregivers and staff to ensure they are comfortable with each tool. The project uses a “living lab approach”, combining research and action to bring about change and lived experience informs the choices that are identified as being successful.

HABITAT measures the impact of the independence and well-being of people in the study in supportive housing. As part of this work, the project team will develop a housing model and technology toolkit to share with other organizations.

Addressing the Housing Needs of Refugee Families through Transitional Housing and Wrap-Around Supports

In 2019, the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba launched a project to improve their ability to measure the success of their services. The non-profit offers housing and support services to refugee families, to help them succeed in Canada.

The research project’s goal was to build the organization’s capacity for research and evaluation to understand its housing model’s effectiveness.

The project confirmed that holistic services are necessary to ensure the full integration of refugee families into the community and success in Canada. It also revealed that lack of affordability is the main housing issue for many newcomers. They have to dedicate a large part of their income to housing, leaving them with very little to cover the costs of other basic needs. Housing, education and community connections are areas that need special attention.

The research project gave the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba tools that they can share with other organizations.

Fourth International Housing First Conference: Knowledge Mobilization of Evidence-Based Housing First Practices

The Pathways and European Housing First Hub takes an evidence-based approach to end chronic homelessness for people with complex health and social needs.

This research explores the Housing First model, an effective approach to ending homelessness. The model is being implemented in communities across Canada and Europe. It focuses on moving people experiencing homelessness into permanent, independent housing as quickly as possible and providing rent subsidies. Personalized, holistic community support is also a vital part of helping residents maintain stable housing.

The 4^th International Housing First Conference, the first of its kind in Canada, offered workshops, panels and research symposiums to help accelerate the implementation and effectiveness of the model. The conference also provided networking, partnership development and training opportunities for researchers, practitioners, policy-makers and people with lived experience of homelessness. It Identified needed changes to public policy related to Housing First and potential strategies to influence public policy.