Results of a Process Evaluation of the Implementation of a Housing First Program in Waterloo, Canada
Publication: Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
3 October 2024
Abstract
This study evaluated PATHS2Home (P2H), a Housing First program in Canada, through qualitative interviews and focus groups with 34 program staff, participants, and partners. Results showed successful implementation with participant satisfaction, strong program design and leadership, skilled staff, positive service system relationships, effective housing support, and fidelity to the Housing First (HF) model. Challenges included skepticism of the program model, communication with partners, staff turnover, and systemic factors such as affordable housing availability. Overall, the evaluation showed successful implementation of the P2H program in line with HF principles and identified several areas for improvement to better support participants and achieve program goals.
Résumé
Cette étude a évalué PATHS2Home (P2H), un programme Housing First (HF) (Logement d’abord) au Canada, à la faveur d’entretiens qualitatifs et de groupes de discussion avec 34 employés, participants, et partenaires du programme. Les résultats ont fait état d’une mise en œuvre réussie à la satisfaction des participants, une solide conception du programme, un vrai leadership, du personnel qualifié, des relations positives avec l’administration des services, un soutien efficace au logement et une fidélité au programme HF. Les défis demeurent le scepticisme à l’égard de ce type de programme, la communication avec les partenaires, le roulement du personnel et des facteurs systémiques tels que la disponibilité de logements abordables. Dans l’ensemble, l’évaluation a démontré la mise en œuvre réussie du programme P2H en accord avec les principes HF et a identifié plusieurs domaines d’amélioration pour mieux soutenir les participants et atteindre les objectifs du programme.
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Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
Volume 43 • Number 3 • September 2024
Pages: 1 - 20
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Version of record online: 3 October 2024
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Maritt Kirst, Steven Bigioni, Margaret Douglin, Victoria Rozycki, Geoffrey Nelson, Edwina Toope, and Lisa Gill Tamcsu. 2024. Results of a Process Evaluation of the Implementation of a Housing First Program in Waterloo, Canada. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health.
43(3): 1-20. https://doi.org/10.7870/cjcmh-2024-014
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