Understanding the role of networks in building capacity for systems change: A case study of two Canadian networks implementing Housing First

ABSTRACT

Housing First is an evidence-based intervention designed to house individuals who are chronically homeless and are experiencing serious mental illness. The cross-sector collaboration required to provide person-centred supports to this population has resulted in increased understanding of Housing First as a whole systems response. Housing First implementation acts as a catalyst for systems change, yet research on how this change occurs is limited. This study examined the role of regional networks in advancing systems change through Housing First. A qualitative, multiple case study was conducted to examine two multi-city networks established by community leaders in the Canadian homelessness sector. Data collection activities included document analysis, interviews (n = 10), and two follow-up focus groups. Thematic analyses were conducted for each network, followed by a cross-case analysis. Findings indicate that engaging in a multi-city network increases leaders’ collective capacity to create conditions for change and to advance and sustain systems-level changes.

KEYWORDS:

• Homelessness
• housing first
• networks
• systems change
• leadership

Acknowledgments

Thank you to the leaders of the 7 Cities and Southwest 5 who participated in this research and to Dr. Geoffrey Nelson, Dr. Colleen Loomis, Dr. Nora Jacobson, and Dr. Stephen Gaetz for their contributions. This research was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and the Tri-Council Research Support Fund.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.