A new system has been launched in Thunder Bay, Ont., to help local social service agencies better track people experiencing homelessness and the supports they use.
The Homeless Service System Data Tool (HSSDT) was developed by the Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB). With clients’ consent, it gathers information from different service providers so staff can see who is receiving help, which organizations are involved, and what stage each person is at in their housing journey.
The system includes data such as the city’s list of people experiencing homelessness, case management notes, and details about space available in emergency shelters and transitional housing.
“Workers at each organization can now see the same information for each person,” said Aaron Park, TBDSSAB’s manager of housing and homelessness programs. “They don’t have to redo intake forms every time. Clients only need to tell their story once.”
Park said that more than 1,000 people have used homelessness services in the past six months. A count done last fall found about 550 people experiencing homelessness in Thunder Bay. The new tool will provide more accurate, up-to-date numbers and a clearer picture of homelessness across the region.
The system will also help the board meet provincial reporting requirements, which is important for continuing to receive funding from Ontario’s Homelessness Prevention Program.
All shelters and transitional housing organizations funded by the board must now use the new database. The long-term goal is for all community service providers to use the system, even if they don’t receive board funding.
“This tool helps us see trends and make better decisions,” said Ken Ranta, TBDSSAB’s chief executive officer. “Now we can view everything in one place and trust that the data is accurate.”
The HSSDT was custom-built by Clark Communications with input from TBDSSAB staff and local shelter workers.
Brendan Carlin, executive director of Shelter House, said data collection can be time-consuming but is essential. “We’re always looking for ways to make data collection easier for our staff,” he said. “The new system is user-friendly and gives us the detailed information we need.”
