Project Leaf’s Movement to Help Lessen Homelessness in Canada

Project Leaf a Foundation for Social Change

Introduction

In partnership with the University of British Columbia, Foundations for Social Change launched the world’s first direct cash transfer program to empower people to move beyond homelessness in Canada. The program believes in economic inclusion and that no one should be left behind. They strive to create a realistic and lasting impact.

Description

B.C. that develops evidence-based solutions to advance social change. It is a bold entrepreneurial mindset with scientific rigour, using data and evidence to evaluate our work and measure impact. It is imagining a kind and inclusive world where everyone thrives. It has successfully piloted the world’s first program to use cash transfers to reduce homelessness. Direct giving empowers individuals to find housing and purchase goods that improve their lives while restoring dignity, confidence, and well-being. The program seeks solutions to ongoing social issues, like homelessness, with an entrepreneurial mindset. Its flagship undertaking is the New Leaf project. Compelled by the success of its pilot, the program's expert team is planning a Vancouver expansion project later this year to disburse an additional 200 unconditional cash transfers of $8,500 to people experiencing homelessness.

In partnership with the University of British Columbia, Foundations for Social Change launched the world’s first direct cash transfer program to empower people to move beyond homelessness in Canada. Specifically, its New Leaf project (NLP) distributed a one-time cash transfer of $7,500 to people experiencing recent homelessness in the Vancouver area. While many would balk at the thought of disbursing large sums of cash to people living in homelessness, our approach was based upon scientific evidence and our bold action has paid off. By preventing people from becoming entrenched as homeless, NLP helps individuals to maintain dignity and regain hope. At the same time, the community resources can be spent in other urgent areas.

Figure 1. Project Leaf’s Official Facebook Page

Figure 2. Project Leaf’s Official Instagram

Figure 3. Project Leaf’s Official Twitter

Figure 4. Project Leaf’s Official YouTube Channel

Figure 5. Project Leaf’s Donation Page

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of the New Leaf project, it uses scientifically validated measures to track participant outcomes for 12 months. Participants completed questionnaires at 1 month and then every 3 months. To better understand individual experiences, participants also completed open-ended qualitative interviews after 6 and 12 months.

Support

The project seeks to raise their earnings to further assist the homeless with their needs. Donations are needed to further promote the success of this program in its improvement to lessen homelessness.

Contact Information

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/f4socialchange/

Twitter https://twitter.com/f4socialchange

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/F4SocialChange/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClrxlsLt_Rp1dE1GfudEfkQ

Email info@forsocialchange.org

Suite 290, 1275 Venables Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 2C9

604-440-4423

If you have concerns for attention by executive leadership, please contact acting CEO & COO, Heather Hay at heather@forsocialchange.org

For media inquiries please contact:
alice@forsocialchange.org or
info@forsocialchange.org