The CHF's Policy and Research team works with experts on homelessness locally and around the globe. The team gathers and shares this information so it can inform government policies, help make system-wide changes, support the CHF strategic direction and evaluate progress by homeless-serving agencies working on the 10 Year Plan.

Developing New Tools

Last year, the CHF and the University of Calgary developed the Homelessness Asset and Risk Tool to identify those at greatest risk of homelessness. This partnership also built the Re-Housing, Triage and Assessment Survey to prioritize the homeless population for housing based on the fragility of their health. The newest tool (built by the CHF and being used by the Alex Community Health Centre), called the Acuity Scale, matches clients' needs with the appropriate level of case management support to help them remain in housing.

Informing Government Policy on Affordable Housing

The CHF worked in partnership with the University of Calgary School of Public Policy Studies to release a new paper which suggests tax and regulatory policy changes to encourage businesses to build more affordable housing. Read the paper.

Learning from Experts

Bringing the best and brightest minds together to better understand homelessness is key to reaching the goals of the 10 Year Plan.

In late August, the CHF hosted a Research Symposium, which included topics such as patterns of homelessness, youth homelessness, prevention and representations of homelessness in the media. View the presentations.

In recognition of World Homeless Day (October 10) the CHF is featuring a different international researcher on its Facebook page each day from October 4 - 8. We'll begin with Canada's own Dr. Stephen Gaetz, who recently studied street youth and victimization in Toronto. Later in the week, we'll feature researchers from the U.K., New Zealand and more.

Reminders & Events

Tickets to Ed's House Warming Party are on sale until October 15. Buy tickets online or make a donation.

Soon we will be introducing Home for the Holidays, a winter campaign where Calgarians can text in donations and host housewarming parties in support of the CHF. Stay tuned for more info.

Despite the rain, the CHF, the Canada Home Depot Foundation and KaBOOM! joined more than 200 volunteers to build a playground at our family housing complex in Acadia. It was a fantastic time and the children are enjoying their new play area. View photos from the day.

Attend a Mayoral Forum to hear candidates' views on homelessness and more. One is taking place Tuesday, October 5, from 5 - 8 p.m., at SAIT's Heart Atrium, or you can view the live webcast at greatcalgary.ca.