Canadian researchers connect to end homelessness in communities

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - May 18, 2017) - Researchers from across the country gathered today to discuss ways data and research can make a difference in Canadian communities. The University of Calgary's School of Public Policy and Calgary Homeless Foundation are hosting Data That Makes a Difference - the 2^nd Annual Canadian Homelessness Data Sharing Initiative at the University of Calgary's Downtown Campus. This event is significant in the homelessness research community because it offers a venue where researchers from across Canada can meet face-to-face and discuss their successes and strategies. This conversation allows for greater collective impact nation-wide, and assists the homeless-serving sector across our country provide a better system-of-care to Canada's most vulnerable.

Through knowledge sharing we deepen our understanding of best strategies and programs to benefit Canadians experiencing homelessness, and strengthen our communities across the nation. Each presenter was asked to present data focused around the core question: "how can our data make a difference?" Presenters will describe and discuss how their data sets address homelessness, and attendees are in for a day full of thought-provoking questions which will foster discussion on future research and collaboration.

The purpose of the event is to spark new research ideas and generate questions pertaining to how research can positively affect individuals experiencing homelessness. The partnership between Calgary Homeless Foundation and the School of Public Policy allows for a union of homeless-serving sector knowledge through an academic platform. The two organizations work closely to provide increased understanding of how public policy and research can consistently improve quality of care for those experiencing homelessness. The hope of both Calgary Homeless Foundation and the School of Public Policy is that partnerships will emerge, nation-wide, and create a Canadian network of collaborative, data-informed homelessness research.

QUOTES:

"To solve the problem of homelessness we need to understand who experiences it, how they experience it, and how those who have escaped it have succeeded. The more data we share, the faster we will learn the answers to these questions" said Dr. Ron Kneebone, Professor and Director of Economics and Social Policy Research, School of Public Policy, U of C. "Sharing data and comparing research results in an open, supportive forum is the fastest way of ending homelessness. Understanding that is the reason for this initiative."

"The Homelessness Data Sharing Initiative is the only initiative of its kind in Canada; it may be the only initiative of its kind in the world. This is the only time the administrators of data on homeless people come together at one event with the researchers who use it" said Dr. Nick Falvo, Director of Research and Data at the Calgary Homeless Foundation. "To end homelessness, we need good analysis. To do the analysis, researchers need to know what data is available. This event allows that to happen and involves the sharing of data across jurisdictions. The more we share the data, the more robust our datasets and the better our research."

WHEN:
May 18^th, 2017
Ticketed event
7:45am- 4:00pm

WHERE:
University of Calgary Downtown Campus
Nexen Technology & Conference Centre
906 8th Ave SW
Calgary, AB, T2P 1H9

About Calgary Homeless Foundation

The Calgary Homeless Foundation (CHF) is a catalyst and enabler for Systems and Service Agencies to optimize client success. CHF focuses on four strategic pillars of work: Research and Development, Community Mobilization, Funder of Outcomes and Impact, and Public and Political Will. CHF addresses gaps and identifies best practices to improve the system of care. Through mobilization of collective impact, CHF is committed to moving forward in partnership with the many homeless-serving agencies, the private sector, government partners, the faith community, other foundations and all Calgarians to end homelessness in Calgary.

CHF is gaining an international reputation as a leading contributor to applied homelessness research. Making evidence-based decisions and planning based on research is a key tenet of CHF's role as System Planner for Calgary's Homeless-Serving System of Care. A key ingredient to this approach has been the Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS) which we are constantly looking to expand and enhance. For more information, visit calgaryhomeless.com

About School of Public Policy

The School of Public Policy is Canada's leading policy school. The School was founded in 2008 by renowned economist Jack Mintz with a vision to drive policy discourse with relevant research, outreach and teaching. Its faculty is composed of scholars with exceptional academic credentials and experienced practitioners in business, government and the non-profit sector.

The School's research is respected because it is independent, credible, and based on hard data. Its influence is reflected by its wide dissemination among policy makers, business leaders, and the media. Indeed, the School is Canada's most cited policy school, both within traditional media and academic publications.

The School of Public Policy also provides hands-on training in Canada and abroad through a Master of Public Policy Program, an Extractive Resource Governance Program, and an Executive Training Program. Its alumni can be found in leadership positions in the private, public and non-profit sectors across Canada.