Project Overview

Literature demonstrates that harm reduction approaches remove institutional barriers to housing for those at risk of or experiencing homelessness (Gaetz, 2017). Further, scholars identify that context-specific harm reduction approaches minimize substance-related harm for youth and that youth perspectives are essential in shaping these approaches (Jenkins et al., 2017). However, little research explores youth-focused harm reduction policies and practices within organizations that support youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness. In alignment with the Making the Shift research agenda, the proposed project explores youth perspectives on the potential of youth-focused harm reduction policy and practice to remove barriers to housing and better position youth-serving organizations to prevent youth homelessness. Using a Participatory Action Research framework, community-based Indigenous Research Protocol, and arts-based research methods, this project seeks to amplify the voices of youth with lived experience and provide platforms for their knowledge to be utilized within Winnipeg, Manitoba and beyond.