Data

Collaborating to Tackle Homelessness in Ontario with Data

Collaborating to Tackle Homelessness in Ontario with Data

by , , | May 2025

Ontario is at a tipping point in its homelessness crisis. This is the stark conclusion drawn from a recent groundbreaking study outlined in the report “Municipalities Under Pressure: The Human and Financial Cost of Homelessness in Ontario.” Released in January 2025, it revealed the unprecedented and growing costs of homelessness to individuals, families, communities, and governments, and charts a collective path forward.

Before this ambitious research study, comprehensive profile of the current and future state of homelessness in Ontario did not exist. As well, there was not a comprehensive assessment of need, identification of the solutions required and cost estimates of what it would take to end chronic homelessness. The research is underpinning continuing policy and advocacy efforts for OMSSA, NOSDA and AMO. The report will serve as a platform for conversations with the provincial government and has gained traction throughout the sector and in the media.

Providing Access to Rural Data for Decision Making: ROI’s Community Wellbeing Dashboard

Providing Access to Rural Data for Decision Making: ROI’s Community Wellbeing Dashboard

by | November 2024

Rural communities often struggle to find information to support decision making. Not only can rural data be difficult to find, it’s also difficult to work with. Most rural municipalities don’t have a data analyst on staff to gather, analyze, and interpret data. But all municipalities have to make the same decisions, whether or not they have capacity for data analysis. Therefore, it’s critical to make rural data more easily accessible and understandable for decision makers. The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) has developed a Community Wellbeing Dashboard that improves access to information for decision making.

Towards Reconciliation in Research: Ethical Approaches to Research and Engagement with Indigenous Peoples

Towards Reconciliation in Research: Ethical Approaches to Research and Engagement with Indigenous Peoples

by | November 2024

The history of unethical research with Indigenous Peoples cannot be undone, but we can recognize this history and shift towards a future where research is decolonized and collaborative. By centering Indigenous data governance and adopting ethical methodologies, we can foster a research environment that respects the sovereignty, knowledge, and rights of Indigenous communities so that research benefits rather than harms Indigenous communities. This shift is not only necessary for healing historical wounds but also an essential part of reconciliation and healing for Indigenous communities.

Shining a Light on SAMS Data The City of Ottawa’s Case Management Tool

Shining a Light on SAMS Data The City of Ottawa’s Case Management Tool

by | September 2024

The City of Ottawa’s Case Management Tool is a successful replacement to working out of the Provincial SAMS reports. It’s more accurate, more timely and more user-friendly. It comes in the form of a suite of Power BI dashboards tailored to the needs of the user groups. These dashboards are operationalized and are the prime sources of information for Ontario Works case management. Prior to this, Ottawa relied on reports from Social Assistance Legacy Information (SALI) for performance metrics and manually-maintained Excel files to keep on top of caseloads. Learn more about the work Ottawa is doing to help their community.