Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #108489

Jennifer M. Lavely, BA¹, Marina MacNamara², Sarah Zalud¹, Susan Feldman, MSW, LCSW³, and Richard Caplan, MSW, LCSW⁴. (1) Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, P.O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520, (267)304-5271, jlavely@co.gilpin.co.us, (2) Global Health Department, Yale University School of Epidemiology and Public Health, 60 College St.60 College Street, P.O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, (3) Amistad Village Project, 226 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven, CT 06519, (4) Program/Clinical Director, The Columbus House, Inc, 586 Ella T. Grasso Blvd., P.O. Box 7093, New Haven, CT 06519

Background: The persistence of homelessness and insufficient funding of health services for homeless populations in the U.S. necessitate the creation of effective and efficient interventions. However, practical tools to evaluate program efficacy are limited. Here, we share the process of designing an evaluation of The Mentorship Program, an innovative Columbus House, Inc. program which facilitates the transition out of homelessness by teaching self-sufficiency in the areas of education, housing, employment, addiction relapse, and recidivism. The purpose of the evaluation as a means of identifying program successes and needed improvements will be discussed as will potential implications with respect to key stakeholders and future directions. Methods: The evaluation included both formative and summative aspects. A mix of quantitative and qualitative methods was used, including both a survey and focus groups to assess the process and outcome of the program from the perspective of both the mentors themselves and their employers at the sites in which they mentor. Results: Application of this evaluation plan yields a systematic and objective approach to the collection of program outcome information for interventions related to homelessness and substance use. This evaluation plan provides a number of different data collection techniques that may be used in whole or in part for the assessment of program effectiveness. Potential outcomes of this plan include the improvement of inter-agency and staff communication and collaboration.

Learning Objectives:

• Apply mixed method evaluation techniques that address substance abuse and homelessness.
• Develop evaluation techniques which bridge the gap between academia and community health projects while maintaining program integrity and scientific objectivity.
• Recognize the versatility and adaptability of a multi-component evaluation design for programs in transition.
• Identify ways evaluations can be used to strengthen community based programs by providing measurable quality, quantity and time based results which document program outcomes and contribute to the funding mechanisms.

Keywords: Evaluation, Homelessness

Related Web page: www.columbushouse.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.