Infographic: Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) fiscal years 2014 to 2015 and 2015 to 2016

Description

The Homelessness Partnering Strategy is designed with the aim of preventing and reducing homelessness by providing direct support and funding to communities across Canada. As of 2014 to 15, the program shifted to a Housing First approach that focuses on stable housing as a priority for those experiencing chronic or episodic homelessness.

Key findings

The program contributed to preventing and reducing homelessness in Canada:

• The program surpassed its target of placing 3,000 people in longer-term stable housing with over 6,000 people being placed in stable housing in fiscal year 2015 to 2016.
• Over 10,000 non-Housing First clients also received housing placements in fiscal year 2014 to 2015 and fiscal year 2015 to 2016.
• Fully, 73% of clients were placed in stable housing within 90 days, and 77% of those continuing to receive services were in stable housing after 6 months in fiscal year 2015 to 2016.

The program contributed towards increasing financial stability and self-sufficiency of homeless clients in fiscal year 2014 to 2015 and fiscal year 2015 to 2016:

• 4,500 clients experienced an improvement in their employment status;
• 3,400 clients started a job training program; and
• 2,600 clients started an educational program.

Recommendations

• Extend Housing First interventions to a greater proportion of the homeless population;
• Further promote the participation of diverse groups on Community Advisory Boards; and
• Reduce the burden on communities to gather the necessary information to monitor and measure performance.

The full Homelessness Partnering Strategy Evaluation is available on Employment and Social Development Canada’s website.