Measuring impacts of a supportive housing program is important to ensure that continuous quality improvement work can occur and that programs are meeting their intended goals. Frameworks such as implementation science provide supportive housing programs the tools to define the program and ensure fidelity to the supportive housing model. Before measuring a program it is important to:
- Clearly describe the program including the philosophy, values, principles, and inclusion/exclusion criteria for eligible families (targeting)
- Clarify essential functions that define the program (core components)
- Provide operational definitions of essential functions (essential feature of supportive housing)
- Conduct practical performance assessment (program evaluation)
Next: Assess your Community’s Readiness