Examining peer networking as a capacity‐building strategy for Housing First implementation

Abstract

Aims: This study examines peer networking as a capacitybuilding strategy for the implementation of Housing First (HF), a complex community intervention targeting chronic homelessness.Methods: A qualitative, multiple case study was conducted to examine the capacity-building activities of two, multicommunity peer networks established by community leaders in the Canadian Homelessness sector. Data collection activities included document analysis, key informant interviews (n = 10), and a follow-up focus group with interview participants in each network. Thematic analyses were conducted for each network, followed by a cross-case analysis. Results: Engaging in a multicommunity peer network enhances leaders' capacity to advance HF by creating opportunities to foster trust and communication, inform continuous improvement, and navigate ambiguity. A number of contextual factors influence connections between peer networking and capacity building.Conclusion: Peer networks are a valuable source of support and timely, contextually relevant knowledge for community leaders advancing local adaptation and implementation of HF.

Beyond skills and knowledge: the role of self-efficacy and peer networks in building capacity for species conservation planning

“…What does an effective peer network look like and how does it contribute to the transfer of knowledge to the workplace? Literature from a variety of disciplines points to a number of best practices such as creating environments that build trust between network participants (Backer & Smith, 2011; Worton, 2019), promoting opportunities for participants to collaborate (Rhodes & Beneicke, 2006; Backer & Smith, 2011; Worton, 2019), creating subgroups within networks based on narrow topics (Backer & Smith, 2011; Miller et al, 2016) and providing support to facilitate the translation of abstract thinking into action (Backer & Smith, 2011; Scallan et al, 2017; Worton, 2019).…”

Psychology and public policy: The story of a Canadian Housing First project for homeless people with mental illness.

“…Another important knowledge transfer tool is that of networks that rely on peer support among service-providers. These networks can operate at a provincial level, like Alberta’s Seven Cities (Worton, 2018) and the Ontario Housing First Regional Network—Community of Interest (Worton et al, 2019), or at regional and local levels, like Ontario’s Southwest Five (Worton, 2018). Networks such as these can help strengthen HF implementation capacity in communities through peer support, mutual learning, and advocacy.…”

Applications of translation and implementation science to community psychology: An introduction to a special issue

“…Strompolis et al (2020) discuss the important issue of leveraging local capacity through the role of a “Community Capacity Coach”—a community‐embedded individual who works to bridge local and state resources in the implementation of the Positive Parenting Program in South Carolina. Many communities may rely on collaboratives or collectives to learn from similar communities and support a common “evidence‐base.” Worton (2020) discuss such an opportunity for a multicommunity network to support the capacity of a housing first program to curb homelessness. Finally, it is important to consider what impact evidence‐based practice integration might have in varied settings.…”

“…Workshops can also specifically focus on tailoring those implementation strategies, as was completed for Haroz et al (2020) with Native American communities. Worton (2020) noted several important contextual factors—shared philosophies and values, leadership structure, stage of the implementation, funding strategies and sources, and specific skill sets—that contributed to the implementation of housing first across communities. These papers contribute practical and conceptual knowledge about the methods one could use to tailor implementation strategies and illustrate the benefits of doing so in various settings.…”

“…These efforts are largely done in close collaboration with community partners to ensure buy‐in and sustainment of the implementation efforts. As part of these efforts, capacity building of indigenous workforces is a prominent theme (e.g., Strompolis, Montana, Wilson, Aldridge, & Armstrong, 2020; Worton, 2020). Adaptation—the process of making thoughtful and deliberate changes or adjustments to an existing intervention so it can better fit a particular context (Wiltsey Stirman, Gamarra, Bartlett, Calloway, & Gutner, 2017)—is also a recurring theme in this special issue.…”