H.O.M.E Program Results
A preliminary evaluation of the H.O.M.E Program was conducted to explore the initial impacts from the first four months of program implementation. A database was used to gather quantitative data for services provided between January 11, 2021 and May 31, 2021. Qualitative results were derived from responses to a survey completed by program team members, site partners, and service partners. A snapshot of the results is presented below.
Between January 11, 2021 and May 31, 2021:
- 66 days of service were provided by the H.O.M.E Program
- 500 unique people were served by the H.O.M.E Program
- 817 visits were made to the H.O.M.E Program’s mobile supports
- 12 is the average number of visits made to the H.O.M.E Program each day service was provided
- 18 is the highest number of visits made by one individual to the H.O.M.E Program
The 5 most significant impacts of the H.O.M.E Program on clients include:
- Improved access and decreased barriers to needed services
- Development of greater trust in care services and reduced stigma
- Access to multiple supports in one location
- Timely access to care
- Improved health outcomes
5 benefits of H.O.M.E Program partner collaboration are:
- Sharing of knowledge and experience between partners
- Increased capacity for service coordination and system navigation
- Improved reach and accessibility of services
- Creating a shared culture of service
- Development of collaborative and supportive working relationships
For more information, please see the H.O.M.E Program Initial Summary of Results. Further evaluation will be conducted to explore clients’ experiences accessing the program and the impacts of the program on clients, partners, and collaborative service delivery.
Stories of Impact
The stories below demonstrate the impact the H.O.M.E Program has had on individuals accessing the program. Please note that names have been changed to maintain anonymity.
Sandra Feels Cared For by the Program Team
Sandra has a history of substance use, was engaged in survival sex work, and experienced intermittent homelessness, but has been living in a new place for almost nine months. Sandra also has cancer and has experienced ongoing challenges accessing care at home and in the hospital due to stigma, poor experiences accessing care, lack of transportation, and reduced mobility. To ensure she gets the care she needs, the H.O.M.E Program outreach team visits Sandra three times a week to provide medical care and cancer treatment follow-up, emotional support, and basic needs. The team also coordinates care with Sandra’s health care providers and helps her engage with the Safer Opioid Supply program. When talking about the H.O.M.E Program, Sandra shared the following: “That team is my lifeline. They treat me like a queen, which isn’t something I’m used to. They make every day better. I’ll be sitting here feeling sorry for myself, and thinking about all of the terrible things that have happened, and then they show up and everything feels so much better. I hope they know how much I appreciate them and all of the work and effort they put into me, even though I don’t always feel like I deserve it.”
Rupert Is Receiving Regular Wound Care and Is Seeking Further Supports in the Community
Rupert had an infection in both legs due to cellulitis for over a year, but was reluctant to seek care due to long hospital wait times and fear of withdrawal. Rupert was accessing the Carepoint Consumption and Treatment Service provided by Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC), one of the H.O.M.E Program collaborative partners, and was encouraged to seek medical support when the H.O.M.E Program started. Through ongoing engagement with Carepoint staff and H.O.M.E Program outreach team members from RHAC, rapport and trust building, and support from a “familiar face” from RHAC to help him access the program, Rupert decided to attend the H.O.M.E Program’s mobile clinic where he was provided antibiotics and was successfully connected to the London InterCommunity Health Centre for the first time. Rupert has continued to access wound care on a weekly basis, has kept his legs wrapped with clean dressings, and is seeking further supports in the community. Rupert shared that he has had positive interactions with the program team and expressed his gratitude for the H.O.M.E Program.
Theo Made a Positive, Meaningful Connection With Supports Where He Was At
Theo was previously a client with Addiction Services of Thames Valley (ADSTV), but recently lost his housing and has been unable to access service since. While the H.O.M.E Program outreach team (which consists of ADSTV staff who have built a connection with Theo) was in the community, they saw Theo and learned his motorized wheelchair battery was dead, leaving him stranded. The team also learned Theo had been in and out of hospital that day and he had given his bag with the wheelchair charger to a friend for safe keeping, due to not having a place to store his belongings. The outreach team was able to find Theo’s friend, get the charger and personal belongings back to Theo, and get the wheelchair re-charged. Further, the team reached out to a paramedic on the program team who brought Theo a hat and shirt for sun protection. When Theo received these items, he was speechless and had tears in his eyes. By meeting Theo where he was at, the outreach team was able to address his immediate needs, make a meaningful and positive connection, and help Theo feel cared for.
