Funding outcome

In this project we focus on the develeopment of an evaluation framwork for Pregnancy Pathways, a housing program for pregnant/parenting women and their children who are experiencing homelessness in Edmonton. Homelessness is associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes for women and their children due to increased rates of trauma, exploitation, stigma, and substance use. To develop a program that meets both immediate needs for security and housing and builds up individual capacies for future wellness will have an important role for in Edmonton. There is a significant gap in the research of housing programs for this complex population and our research is necessary to determining what interventions best address the needs of this population (both mothers and children). For this project we will be using a developmental evaluation approach, which is different from traditional evaluations as it allows for program adaptation throughout the evaluation process in response to evaluation findings. This form of evaluation is especially useful for programs that aim to address complex and changing issues for which the best program implementation strategies are not well known, as in the case of Pregnancy Pathways. We will work with the lead agency of Pregnancy Pathways, the Boyle Mccaulley Health Centre, to develop evaluation indicators that accurately measure outcomes and qualities of the program that have been identified by participants, community stakeholders, and funders. A key focus is to create a successful program that empowers women and their children and builds on their current strength and community connections. As part of the summer studentship I will specifically look at the published and grey literature in relation to outcome and process measure for children who are born to women or live in their early years with women who are part of transitional housing programs.