Supporting Social & Economic Equity, Disrupting Cycles of Homelessness, And Nurturing Growth & Empowerment

Supporting Social & Economic Equity, Disrupting Cycles of Homelessness, And Nurturing Growth & Empowerment (SEED CHANGE): A Mixed Methods Quasi-experimental Trial of Economic, Social, and Identity Capital Supports for Youth Transitioning Out of Homelessness in Ontario, Canada

The goal of the SEED CHANGE pilot study is to co-design and test a wraparound intervention for young people transitioning away from homelessness. This study will provide information about the types of supports these young people need to live meaningful and thriving lives, and the best ways to deliver these supports. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Is the wraparound intervention feasible? (i.e., Will young people engage in the study and supports?)
• Is the wraparound intervention acceptable? (i.e., Do young people find the supports satisfactory and/or beneficial?)

Participants will engage in an 18-month wraparound intervention including the following supports:

• Job Placement
• Housing Stabilization Funds
• Grocery Supplements
• Community Connections Worker
• Coaching
• Tools for Intentional Living Program

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18 - 24 years
• Experienced homelessness (defined as unstable/time-limited housing arrangements like shelter stays, foster care, or couch surfing) for at least seven consecutive days in the past year
• Living in market rent housing (defined as non-subsidized housing, inclusive of both formal and informal rental agreements) in the Greater Toronto Area or Niagara Region for at least one month preceding study start
• Willing to actively participate in all components of the intervention
• Able to legally work in Canada (includes having a valid Social Insurance Number)
• Able to provide free and informed consent
• Able to understand English well enough to give consent and participate in the intervention and data collection

Exclusion Criteria:

• In imminent danger of losing their housing (e.g., facing eviction)
• Planning to move out of the Greater Toronto Area or Niagara Region in the next 18 months
• Employed full-time or enrolled in an education or training program that requires a long-term (>4 weeks) full-time work placement (coinciding with the duration of the study intervention)
• Receiving rent subsidies (does not include shelter allowance through social welfare programs such as Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program)
• Enrolled in a program or study with features similar to the SEED CHANGE intervention (e.g., 1:1 coaching, supported employment, group program targeting identity/social capital)