Exploring the New Research Handbook on Homelessness

The “Research Handbook on Homelessness,” published by Edward Elgar Publishing, offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of one of the most pressing social issues of our time. This new volume brings together a range of expert perspectives on homelessness, offering valuable insights into its causes, consequences, and potential solutions.

One of the notable contributions to this handbook is Chapter 32, titled “Homelessness Prevention,” authored by Abe Oudshoorn and Amy Van Berkum. This chapter stands out for its practical and evidence-based approach to preventing homelessness, drawing on extensive research and real-world applications.

Abe Oudshoorn, a CRHESI affiliate and member, collaborated with Amy Van Berkum to address critical strategies and interventions aimed at preventing homelessness. Their chapter provides a valuable contribution to the field, focusing on innovative prevention strategies and examining the broader context of homelessness.

In London, Ontario, the city and various stakeholders are working together on the initiative “Health & Homelessness: A Whole of Community System Response,” which involves CRHESI’s support. CRHESI plays a key role by supporting the System Foundations Table (SFT), which identifies priority questions for research and evaluation teams and sets timelines for deliverables. This includes coordinating research/evaluation team meetings, developing project plans and resources, and providing regular progress reports. CRHESI is dedicated to fostering effective communication and ensuring transparency throughout the process. For more information on CRHESI’s involvement and progress, visit Health & Homelessness – CRHESI.

For additional details about the city’s efforts, visit the City of London’s Health & Homelessness Initiative.

This handbook is an essential resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners committed to understanding and addressing homelessness. By delving into effective prevention strategies and exploring the broader issues surrounding homelessness, the volume offers valuable insights and guidance.

For more details and to access the book, visit the Research Handbook on Homelessness.

Exciting Job Opportunity with IDHC: ICS Project Coordinator

Are you passionate about promoting Indigenous health and wellness? Do you have experience in curriculum development, adult education, and a deep understanding of Indigenous cultural safety? The Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle (IDHC) is looking for a dedicated ICS Project Coordinator to join their team on a full-time, 2-year contract basis. This role offers the flexibility to work remotely within Ontario while contributing to meaningful projects that aim to address diabetes prevention and care through culturally safe and trauma-informed approaches.

About the Role: As the ICS Project Coordinator, you will lead the development of four innovative Indigenous Cultural Safety Training modules. These modules will focus on trauma-informed care and will be part of an Indigenous Trauma-Informed Diabetes Care Certificate. Key responsibilities include collaborating with Indigenous Knowledge Holders, Elders, and subject-matter experts, facilitating training sessions, and ensuring the program meets high standards of quality and effectiveness.

Why Join IDHC? IDHC is committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle with a focus on diabetes prevention and awareness, especially within Indigenous communities. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact by developing training that integrates Indigenous knowledge with clinical best practices. Additionally, IDHC values life experience and personal healing journeys, ensuring a holistic approach to both their work and workplace culture.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit their cover letter, resume, and references by noon on July 27, 2024, via email to IDHC Human Resource Manager at officemanager@idhc.life. IDHC is committed to providing accommodations throughout the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

For more details and to apply, visit IDHC’s website.

Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to a meaningful project that bridges Indigenous ways of knowing with modern healthcare practices. Join IDHC in making a difference in the lives of Indigenous peoples across Ontario.

Black Histories Project Coordinator Position Available

Are you passionate about Black history and eager to contribute to your community? The London Black History Coordinating Committee (LBHCC), in partnership with the London & Middlesex Heritage Museum (L&MHM) – Fanshawe Pioneer Village, is looking for a dedicated Black Histories Project Coordinator.

Position Details:

  • Contract Duration: July 2024 – June 30, 2025
  • Location: Fanshawe Pioneer Village with potential for hybrid work

This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with the community, support educational programs, and help increase public understanding of London’s Black histories.

How to Apply:

For more information, please refer to the attached document.

Project Coordinator Job Description

Breaking Through the Brokenness: An Arts-Based Qualitative Exploration of Pregnant Women’s Experience of Intimate Partner Violence while Receiving Trauma- and Violence-Informed Antenatal Care

Image Citation: Jackson et al., 2024, p. 8, Figure 6. Now Perfectly Imperfect, Water Color, Artist #6.

Breaking Through the Brokenness: An Arts-Based Qualitative Exploration of Pregnant Women’s Experience of Intimate Partner Violence while Receiving Trauma- and Violence-Informed Antenatal Care is a groundbreaking Canadian project with a unique combination of arts-based inquiry and trauma informed care (TVIC) to enhance understanding of women’s experiences with perinatal care in the context of IPV.

This project integrated various art forms, including visual art, thematic poetry, and performance, to analyze and interpret qualitative data. This innovative approach resulted in rich, embodied understandings of the experiences of pregnant women receiving mental health care related to their experience of IPV. A unique and empathic way to understand and translate women’s experiences of IPV, pregnancy, healing, and strength, resulted from the creation of nine pieces of visual art and four poems reflecting participants’ journeys.

Given the explicit intention of arts-based research to reach a wide audience, the project team is disseminating these findings and art creations to emotionally and cognitively engage diverse audiences with hopes of raising awareness and driving positive policy and social change.

The findings from this project underscores the potential of combining art with TVIC to improve care and social services for childbearing women experiencing IPV.

We hope you enjoy reading!

Article Citation:
Jackson KT, Mantler T, O’Keefe-McCarthy S, Davidson CA, Shillington KJ, Yates J. “Breaking through the Brokenness”: An Arts-Based Qualitative Exploration of Pregnant Women’s Experience of Intimate Partner Violence while Receiving Trauma- and Violence-Informed Antenatal Care. Creative Nursing. 2024;0(0). doi:10.1177/10784535241256872

Exploring the Intersection of Mindfulness and HIV Risks: Insights from Dr. Roula Hawa

We are delighted to share a recent article shedding light on an intriguing intersection: mindfulness and HIV risks. Dr. Roula Hawa, Executive Member of CRHESI, contributed to this thought-provoking piece, offering insights that could shape our understanding and interventions in public health.

Published on Western University’s news platform, the article delves into the potential role of mindfulness practices in addressing HIV risks, particularly among vulnerable populations. Dr. Hawa’s expertise in this area enriches the discourse, highlighting the importance of holistic approaches in health promotion and risk reduction strategies.

In addition to her insightful contributions, Dr. Hawa is currently leading a pivotal study titled “Promoting Mental Health and Reducing HIV Risk Behaviours through Self-compassion, Mindful Acceptance & Resilience Transformation (SMART).” This pilot study focuses on the diaspora MENA (Middle Eastern and North African) gay, bisexual, and trans youth in Ontario.

The SMART study is part of the broader Youth Sexual Health and Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Sexually Transmitted Infections (HIV/STI) Prevention in Middle Eastern and North African Communities (YSMENA) initiative. This mindfulness-based intervention aims to enhance mental health, self-compassion, psychological resilience, and collective empowerment among participants. For more information, you can contact the Research Coordinator at ysmenastudy@gmail.com.

To read the full article and delve into the discussion, visit the link below:

Read the Article

We extend our gratitude to Dr. Roula Hawa for her contributions to this vital conversation and look forward to further collaborations in advancing health equity.