Proceedings from a one-day workshop held at Hope Cottage on February 19, 2000, reports from focus groups with people who have experienced homelessness, and a brief review of the literature. Report prepared by PGF-GTA Consultants Inc.

"This document includes results from a workshop with representatives of community and government agencies with responsibilities in the areas of housing and homelessness, results from 6 focus groups conducted by the author and some review of current policy and research literature. The study was used to develop the HRM Community Action Plan. The first two parts of the report describe problems socially vulnerable groups in Halifax Metro are facing, how they differ among different groups, and subsequently what strategies are most appropriate and should be prioritized for the respective groups. The particular groups include: 1. Women and children, 2. Youth, 3. People with multiple needs (to deal with mental problems, drug and alcohol addiction, and recovering processes). Action is recommended to improve housing conditions for these groups, to develop housing stock and physical facilities and to conduct research and policy development. Strategies recommended include adequate financial assistance to cover increasing rents, access to transportation, assistance in finding employment and long-term counseling support to assist in the continuum of stages from emergency situations to independent living. Source: HRM Planning and Development"