Homelessness Partnership Initiative

• A Community-Based Delivery Model 
• The community planning process 
• Project Selection 
• Applying for HPI funding  

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A Community-Based Delivery Model

The Homelessness Partnership Initiative (HPI) is a unique community-based federal program aimed to help prevent and reduce homelessness in Canada. There are 61 designated communities in Canada that receive funding under the HPI based on an identified need. Distinct Aboriginal Communities and Outreach Communities funding streams are also available to meet the acute and unique needs of homeless Aboriginal people and to fill specific gaps in rural infrastructure to address homelessness.

The experience of each of these communities is unique and the homeless populations, issues and needs of each community are varied. The HPI is designed to ensure that communities have the flexibility and the tools required to identify and address their community’s own distinct homelessness needs and priorities.

The community-based model means that community partners are involved at every level of program delivery under the HPI, including:

• identifying community priorities and targets to address homelessness through an inclusive community-led planning process;
• selecting projects for funding to address the community priorities identified through open and transparent Call for Proposal processes; and
• supporting the delivery and monitoring the success of projects, programs and services to address the needs of homeless individuals and families and those at risk of homelessness.

The involvement of community stakeholders in the delivery of the HPI is critical to its success.

The community planning process

Prior to receiving funds under the HPI, all designated communities must complete an inclusive community planning process. The planning process is usually led by a Community Advisory Board or a planning committee composed of a wide range of community stakeholders including but not limited to representatives from: local homeless service providers; the private sector; and all three levels of government. Representatives of homeless sub-populations including Aboriginals and youth are also encouraged to participate formally on the Community Advisory Board.

The involvement of these diverse groups and interests in the planning process help to ensure that: priorities and investments are strategic and reflect the diverse needs of the homeless population; new partners and funding are brought to the table; new and existing homelessness programs, supports and services are better coordinated; and new partnerships are forged in addressing homelessness in the community.

Communities are able to use HPI funds to support community planning efforts. These efforts usually entail a number of research activities including community needs assessments and feasibility studies, as well as environmental scans which include stakeholder consultations. The process is also informed by the community’s assessment of their progress to date in addressing homelessness against previous community plans.

Once a community plan is developed, it is communicated to the community at large and is usually posted on a community website for broad dissemination.

Project Selection

The terms and conditions vary between each of the three distinct funding streams under the National Homelessness Initiative. Further, given the flexibility afforded to communities under the HPI community-based delivery model, specific procedures and priorities for HPI funding can vary widely between communities across Canada.

The following is a general description of the project selection processes for each funding stream.

• HPI – Designated Communities

  With a community plan in place, local service providers are invited to apply for HPI- Designated Communities funding in line with identified community plan priorities and targets, usually through an open Call for Proposal process led by either:

  • a community entity, often a municipal government, entrusted by the federal government with the ability to select and manage projects in the community; or
  • the federal government itself, usually Human Resources and Social Development Canada through local Service Canada Centres, in concert with the Community Advisory Board.

  Through either approach, community partners are formally involved in reviewing project proposals and in recommending, or deciding upon, project selection. Specific procedures and priorities for funding and timing of request for proposal processes can vary widely across the 61 HPI designated communities.

• HPI – Aboriginal Communities

  Funding under this stream supports the provision of services to meet the acute and unique needs of homeless Aboriginal people, whether in cities or rural areas. Aboriginal communities eligible for funding under this stream are not required to prepare a formal community plan. Many have nonetheless undergone a community planning process to determine community funding priorities which will guide investment decisions and any Call for Proposal process. The specific procedures and priorities for funding under this stream vary across Aboriginal communities.

• HPI – Outreach Communities

  Funding under this stream supports single projects to fill specific gaps in rural infrastructure to address homelessness in smaller cities as well as rural and outlying areas, including the North. Funding under this stream is administered regionally.

Applying for HPI funding

To find out more information about the HPI, to obtain a copy of a community plan, or to inquire about a Call for Proposal process for HPI funding in your own community, please contact the Homelessness Partnering Strategy Representative in your region.