Effective social programs and their evaluation require a shift in perspective. This is especially true when addressing complex issues like homelessness. Traditional evaluation models that measure the impact of an intervention often place the burden of change solely on individuals experiencing homelessness. However, our approach recognizes that sustainable change requires transformation at multiple levels of the system.
We use a modified social ecological model (SEM) in our projects to more clearly focus conversations on inequities created by systems. This model helps us examine the potential impact of interventions not just on individuals, but also at the organizational, systemic, and community levels.
At the center of our modified SEM are the individual professionals working directly with those experiencing homelessness. By focusing on these frontline workers, we shift our evaluation lens from “fixing” homeless individuals to understanding how support services are delivered and received.
The next layer examines outcomes at the organizational level. We look at changes in policies and practices that guide the work of staff. As organizations evolve, they influence the systems within which they operate. This can lead to reducing inequities that unfairly burden those who are homeless and create new structures that better meet community needs.
Finally, we consider the systemic and community-level impacts. While these are more challenging to measure and attribute to specific interventions, they are crucial for creating lasting change.
This approach doesn’t ignore individual-level outcomes. Instead, it broadens our focus to include critical layers of both influence and potential impact. By doing so, we can better understand how interventions like direct-to-tenant rental assistance not only affect individuals but also push the entire system to evolve.
Our modified SEM helps us identify and measure changes in knowledge, beliefs, and services that occur as new interventions are designed and implemented. It allows us to capture the full scope of system change, from individual mindsets to organizational practices to community-wide policies.
At Partners for Impact, we believe this holistic approach to designing and evaluating is essential for addressing complex social issues like homelessness. By examining change at multiple levels, we can support interventions that not only help individuals but also transform the systems that contribute to homelessness in the first place.
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