CMHA Hamilton in collaboration with McMaster researchers Dr. James Gillett, Samantha Perrotta, Rachel VanEvery and Jeffery Black, aimed to assess the effectiveness of the Intensive Supports Pilot (ISP) program. The ISP is a strategic collaboration between CMHA Hamilton, St. Joseph’s Health Care and the City of Hamilton that aims to provide trauma-informed, person centred care; links to comprehensive primary care to facilitate management of concurrent health and social needs; and, test new mechanisms of collaboration to ensure health and housing resources are accessible and appropriate to meet needs of highly acute individuals.

The program assessment included a comprehensive review and analysis of the literature on chronic homelessness and involved interviews with all project stakeholders including clients. The aim of the assessment was to better understand how this multi-sectoral collaboration contributed to securing and maintaining housing for individuals that face multiple and serious barriers to maintaining their health and wellbeing.