Summary

The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness is a national research institute dedicated to studying homelessness in Canada and supporting policymakers and service providers to end homelessness. They created an updated two-part version of the Housing First for Youth Guide originally developed in 2014. The Housing First for Youth program is designed to help communities implement a housing first approach that addresses the unique needs of youth dealing with homelessness. Part 1: Program Model Guide introduces the research, principles, and philosophy behind the Housing First for Youth model along with case studies from Canada and around the world. Part 2: Operations Manual is intended for community planners and service providers who want to implement the model. It provides guidance for case management, supervision, community planning, and designing youth-focused service supports.

Practice & Policy Implications

• The evidence provided in the Guide demonstrating the effectiveness of the Housing First for Youth model can support policymakers to adapt it in their communities.
• The Guide provides examples of ways the Housing First for Youth model can be adapted in specific sub-populations such as Indigenous youth and young people involved with Child Protection Services.
• Alberta-based service providers can learn from case studies of the Housing First for Youth model applied to the Infinity Project and Home Fire programs in Calgary.

Image source: https://www.homelesshub.ca/sites/default/files/HF4Y-Program-Guide-Jul-15.pdf