Housing and Health: The impact of alternative service delivery and supportive housing on health outcomes

People who are homeless have higher rates of illness and premature death than the rest of the population. This project increases collaboration among researchers, clinicians, statutory agencies, and the volunteer sector in looking at the experiences and needs of homeless people in Halifax. We will enhance the ability of local researchers and community groups to study and assist this population, with a focus on two specific areas related to homelessness and health: health service use by street youths; and the impact of supportive housing on health. In the long term, lessons learned and connections made through these projects will help to expand capacity for research to other populations and issues related to housing and health, with the long-term goal of identifying and implementing strategies to improve the health of homeless individuals.