This year, the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary released a major study looking at the success of Calgary’s youth housing programs funded by the Calgary Homeless Foundation, including those provided by the Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS). The findings reflect what we witness every day: when young people have safe housing and the right supports, they can find stability and a successful future.
The outcomes of this study are especially impressive given the extraordinary challenges faced by the youth served in these programs. Participants reported high rates of mental health issues, substance use, and involvement with the justice system—factors that typically reduce the likelihood of long-term housing success. Yet, despite these barriers, the programs delivered strong, sustained results. What sets this study apart is its scope: it tracked youth for up to seven years, far beyond the standard 24-month window used in most similar research.
The results revealed that nearly 80% of youth remained housed after one to two years, and remarkably, about 60% were still stably housed even after seven years, outcomes that meet or exceed those seen in other Canadian cities serving less complex populations.
“This is not a controlled experiment. This is real life. You’re dealing with challenges like outside influences, landlords, and budget constraints,” says Dr. Ron Kneebone, one of the authors of the study. “Not everyone is going to succeed. And yet for the Calgary youth programs, we’re still seeing great success. To me, that is remarkable.”
The programs give youth something many have never had: a real chance. Many grew up in poverty or the child welfare system, and struggle with mental health challenges and childhood trauma with little to no family support. Usually, they have never lived on their own or learned basic life skills. At CJHS, we pair youth housing with wraparound supports like goal planning, counselling, employment preparation, and skill development to give them the opportunity to build independence and a future.
“The biggest return on investment is keeping kids alive. How do you put a price on that?” says Dr. Kneebone.
