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Examining peer networking as a capacity‐building strategy for Housing First implementation
Author(s) -
Worton S. Kathleen
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.585
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1520-6629
pISSN - 0090-4392
DOI - 10.1002/jcop.22240
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , capacity building , ambiguity , focus group , community network , intervention (counseling) , qualitative research , adaptation (eye) , public relations , peer to peer , social network analysis , psychology , knowledge management , business , political science , sociology , computer science , marketing , world wide web , social media , social science , neuroscience , psychiatry , law , programming language
Aims This study examines peer networking as a capacity‐building strategy for the implementation of Housing First (HF), a complex community intervention targeting chronic homelessness. Methods A qualitative, multiple case study was conducted to examine the capacity‐building activities of two, multicommunity peer networks established by community leaders in the Canadian Homelessness sector. Data collection activities included document analysis, key informant interviews ( n = 10), and a follow‐up focus group with interview participants in each network. Thematic analyses were conducted for each network, followed by a cross‐case analysis. Results Engaging in a multicommunity peer network enhances leaders’ capacity to advance HF by creating opportunities to foster trust and communication, inform continuous improvement, and navigate ambiguity. A number of contextual factors influence connections between peer networking and capacity building. Conclusion Peer networks are a valuable source of support and timely, contextually relevant knowledge for community leaders advancing local adaptation and implementation of HF.