This paper describes the process of developing the first report card on homelessness for Ottawa in 2005. The Alliance to End Homelessness of Ottawa (ATEH) led the work, which was funded by the United Way of Ottawa. A working group within the ATEH consisting of researchers, homelessness agency personnel, the City of Ottawa Housing Branch personnel, and other community agencies produced the report card.Report cards can follow one of three models: scientific, popular, or hybrid. The hybrid model was used in this case because it was considered to represent a good balance between being accessible to the broader community and being based on rigorous research and statistically reliable data. As the first report card on homelessness for Ottawa, it would provide the baseline for the measurement of future progress.The report card was divided into three sections: risk factors that contribute to homelessness; services and programs available to the homeless; and actions the community and government can take to address the problem of homelessness. The community was consulted in the development of the report card to help determine the format and content. The indicators used in the report card came from a variety of national and local sources, such as Statistics Canada, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and the City of Ottawa. The process of releasing the report card was monitored by media researchers who kept track of its reception and interviewed reporters. The report was issued in hard copy in English and French and made available as a PDF on the United Way website. (abstract from the article. Access to the article is available with subscription to:

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