Canadian Evaluation Society Vancouver - June 2003 National Homelessness Initiative: Evaluation Findings and Policy Renewal Sylvie Guibert and Catherine Massé Human Resources Development Canada
Presentation Overview The National Homelessness Initiative The NHI Evaluation: Methodology and Findings Impact of Findings and Policy Renewal 2
The National Homelessness Initiative (NHI) With the NHI s launch in December 1999, the Government recognized that a concerted federal response was needed to address this growing, visible social problem A unique community-focused approach was adopted to facilitate community action and ownership Addressing locally identified needs 3
Homelessness Initiative - $753 M Key Federal Players Surplus Federal Real Property for Homelessness Initiative $10 M Shelter Enhancement Program $43 M Urban Aboriginal Strategy (UAS) $59 M Youth Homelessness Component $59 M Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program $268 M Other (Planning, Research, etc.) $9 M Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative (SCPI) $305 M
Working Together at the Local Level Working Together at the Local Level Non - Profit Groups Federal Departments & Agencies Private Sector Communities Provinces & Territories Municipalities 5
Evaluation Approach Timelines Evaluation conducted between Fall 2001 and Fall 2002 Scope HRDC components (SCPI, Youth, Aboriginal Homelessness, Research) + overall NHI coordination Implementation issues Early outcomes Main method Case study approach (20 out of 61 SCPI communities) Case selection Communities reflect variation among all SCPI communities 6
Evaluation Approach (cont d) Sources of evidence for case studies Review of documents (community and project-level) Review of project-level data Key informant interviews 7
Findings Results on implementation HRDC components were coordinated, but more interdepartmental coordination is required SCPI provided an appropriate balance between flexibility and accountability Community planning is a valuable exercise Limited initial terms and conditions resulted in delays in allocating funds to Aboriginal and Youth projects Research results are still pending 8
Findings (cont d) Results on early outcomes SCPI enhanced existing capacity in most communities HRDC funding built upon existing funding Funds were allocated to a wide variety of projects but work remains to address transitional needs Success factors Community control over funding allocation Flexible terms and conditions Requirement for community planning HRDC regional and local staff 9
Impact of Findings The use of evaluation results Benchmark government and community progress Report back to stakeholders on local progress Identify lessons learned on community-based program delivery Inform policy and program renewal 10
Renewed Program Policy The findings of the evaluation were critical in Guiding the development of renewed program policy Determining roles and responsibilities of other federal departments in the NHI Contributing to the recently announced federal Budget allocation of $405 million for a three-year extension of the National Homelessness Initiative (NHI) 11
Extended NHI The extended NHI, responding to evaluation findings, includes A stronger focus on transitional and supportive interventions, as well as prevention A requirement for demonstrated Youth and Aboriginal representation in community planning and decision-making The provision of strategic direction, clear guidelines and a streamlined template to help communities to update their community plans An extension of the Research and the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS) components for an additional three years Clearer roles and responsibilities for senior management in federal departments and in the regions, ensuring a cohesive and coherent federal approach to addressing homelessness. 12
The evaluation report will soon be available on the Internet at: http://www11.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/pls/edd/hrdc.main For further information, contact: Catherine Massé, Evaluation Manager Evaluation & Data Development Human Resources Development Canada Section 3D, Phase IV, 140 Promenade du Portage Gatineau (Hull), QC K1A 0J9 catherine.masse@hrdc-drhc.gc.ca Tel : 819-953-8094 Fax : 819-953-7887 Sylvie Guibert, Manager, Business Planning and Evaluation National Secretariat on Homelessness Human Resources Development Canada 165 Hotel-de-Ville Street Gatineau (Hull), QC K1A 0J9 sylvie.guibert@hrdc-drhc.gc.ca Tel: 819-997-9917 Fax: 819-994-4211 13