INTRODUCTION
The Toronto Shelter Network is coordinating The Shelter Sector Pipeline Project: From Homelessness to Equitable Work, a 4-year research and action project launched in August 2020.
Funded by the Metcalf Foundation, the purpose of the project is to support Toronto’s 24-hour homelessness sector in a collective effort to hire, retain, and promote people with lived experience of homelessness; and to help organizations in the sector (including emergency shelters, respite centres, 24 hour drop-ins and COVID hotel programs) to be exemplary employers for these staff.
During Phase 1 of the project (August 2020–July 2022), TSN and our project partners developed two resources:
Toolkit for employers
This document provides evidence-based best practices tips; practical tools; and organization change planning recommendations. It is geared primarily toward human resources and management staff who are leading or implementing initiatives to expand and improve employment of PWLE in their shelters. It may also interest others involved in or impacted by these initiatives, including frontline shelter staff, Boards of Directors, PWLE seeking shelter work, and external partner organizations.
Click here to download the toolkit for employing people with lived experience.
Preliminary Research Findings- April 2021
The attached presentation provides an update on the Pipeline Project activities, and reports on preliminary results of our winter 2021 surveys of shelter staff and PWLE interested in shelter work.
Click here to download the preliminary research findings.
About the Pipeline Project
The Pipeline Project HAS three MAIN PURPOSES:
We will develop evidence-based tools, resources and strategies, including a policy framework of guidelines, to help the sector to create an employment pipeline that enables people with lived experience to succeed in careers in the sector. Throughout the project, the Toronto Shelter Network will work collaboratively with our member agencies, people with lived experience of homelessness, employment agencies, trainers, other community partners and policy makers/funders, namely the City of Toronto Shelter, Support and Housing Administration (SSHA). Our intent is that any policy recommendations developed during the project are collectively adopted by the homelessness sector and supported by City of Toronto.
THE PROJECT WILL HELP THE SHELTER SECTOR TO MAKE PROGRESS TOWARD THREE LONG-TERM GOALS:
Throughout the project, the Toronto Shelter Network is working collaboratively with our member agencies, people with lived experience of homelessness, employment agencies, trainers, other community partners and policy makers/funders, namely the City of Toronto Shelter, Support and Housing Administration (SSHA). Our intent is that any policy recommendations developed during the project are collectively adopted by the homelessness sector and supported by the City of Toronto.
During Phase 1 of the Pipeline Project (August 2020-July 2022) we worked with these partners to produce evidence-based best practices guidelines, practical tools, and organization change strategy recommendations, now available in a toolkit, Employing People with Lived Experience: A Toolkit for Shelter-Operating Organizations.
During Phase 2 (August 2022-July 2024) TSN is working with 6-8 “Champion Employer” shelter-operating organizations and our other project partners to develop and implement organizational development plans to put the recommendations into practice. We are also exploring opportunities to co-design and run a pilot shelter-work placement program for PWLE, and develop sector-wide policy changes in partnership with SSHA.
The Pipeline Project addresses all stages of the employment pathway, from education and training, to recruitment and hiring, to during-employment supports, to career advancement. Our initiatives are providing guidance and support to both the employers (i.e. the shelter-operating organizations), and to the current and future employees with lived experience who are pursuing careers in the shelter sector.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
If you wish to participate in the project, share your ideas, or learn more, we would be happy to hear from you. Please contact the Pipeline Project Coordinator, Edward Pereira at edward@toshelternetwork.ca
Click here for more details about our project activities.
PARTNERS
Funded by the Metcalf Foundation
Shelter-Operating Organizations
Christie-Ossington Neighbourhood Centre
Covenant House Toronto
Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Services
Homes First Society
Friends of Ruby
Fred Victor Centre
St. Felix Centre
Street Haven
Toronto Housing and Homeless Supports - The Salvation Army
Other Partner Organizations
Centennial College
Lived Experience Lab
Mentor/Mentee Canada
Parkdale Activity-Recreation Centre
Shelter Support and Housing Administration (SSHA) - City of Toronto
The Neighbourhood Group
Toronto Employment and Social Services (TESS) - City of Toronto
Toronto Hostels Training Centre
Working for Change