RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Supporting Social & Economic Equity, Disrupting Cycles of Homelessness, And Nurturing Growth & Empowerment

The SEED CHANGE study aims to help young people (aged 18-24) who have recently experienced homelessness. It's a pilot project looking at a special support programme designed to help them transition to a stable and fulfilling life. The study wants to understand what kind of support is most useful and how to deliver it effectively. This includes checking if young people will happily take part and if they find the help beneficial. Participants will receive support for 18 months, covering things like job placement, housing assistance, food support, community connections, and personal coaching.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Unity Health Toronto

Enrolment target

Start

01 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2027

Homelessness Youth

What is this study about?

The SEED CHANGE study is an important project focusing on young people between 18 and 24 years old who have recently experienced homelessness. This study aims to create and test a special support programme specifically designed to help these young individuals move forward in their lives after facing difficult housing situations. We want to understand what really makes a difference for them, helping them to not just have a roof over their heads, but to build a stable and happy future.

This study will provide various types of assistance over 18 months. This includes helping participants find jobs, offering financial support for housing, providing money for groceries, connecting them with their community, giving them personal coaching, and offering a programme to help them set goals and build life skills. The main goal is to learn if these types of support are practical to offer and if the young people involved find them helpful and satisfying.

By carefully looking at these questions, the SEED CHANGE study hopes to gather valuable information. This information will help us understand the best ways to support young people who have experienced homelessness, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to thrive and live meaningful lives.

Key takeaways

A study for young people aged 18-24 who have experienced homelessness.
Offers 18 months of support for housing, jobs, food, and coaching.
Aims to find the best ways to help young people build stable lives.
Focuses on practical support and personal growth.
You must live in the Greater Toronto Area or Niagara Region.
Participation is voluntary, and you can leave at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join the SEED CHANGE study, you need to be between 18 and 24 years old. You should have experienced homelessness, meaning difficult or unstable housing like shelters, foster care, or staying with different people, for at least four weeks in the past year. Also, for at least one month before starting the study, you must have been living in a private rental home (not subsidised) in the Greater Toronto Area or Niagara Region.

To take part, you must be willing to actively participate in all aspects of the programme. You also need to be allowed to work legally in Canada and be able to understand English well enough to agree to join and take part in the activities and surveys.

However, you cannot join if you are about to lose your housing, plan to move out of the Greater Toronto Area or Niagara Region in the next 18 months, or are already working full-time or in a long-term education or training placement. You also can't join if you receive housing subsidies (but receiving welfare housing allowance is okay) or if you're already in another programme that offers very similar types of support to SEED CHANGE.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 24 years old?
Have you experienced difficult housing situations (homelessness) for at least four weeks in the past year?
Have you been living in a privately rented home in the Greater Toronto Area or Niagara Region for at least one month?
Are you able to work legally in Canada (and have a Social Insurance Number)?
Are you able to understand English well enough to take part fully?
Are you not currently in a very similar support programme or about to lose your housing?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the SEED CHANGE study, you'll be involved for a total of 18 months. During this time, you'll receive a special support package tailored to your needs. This will include practical help like job placement assistance, financial support for your housing, and help with grocery costs. You'll also be connected with a community worker and receive personal coaching to help you achieve your goals.

Throughout the 18 months, you'll participate in a programme called 'Tools for Intentional Living' which focuses on building life skills. You'll be asked to engage with these different support elements regularly. There won't be any specific medical treatments or frequent hospital visits, but you'll be expected to be actively involved with the support team and provide feedback on how the programme is working for you.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in the SEED CHANGE study could offer several potential benefits, such as receiving practical support for housing and employment, financial help, and personal coaching to help you build a stable and fulfilling life. It's a chance to receive assistance that might not otherwise be available. As with any new programme, there might be some challenges, such as the time commitment required or discussing personal experiences. However, the study aims to be supportive and beneficial. Remember, your participation is voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

Unity Health Toronto
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of the SEED CHANGE study?

The study aims to understand what kind of support helps young people who have experienced homelessness to build thriving lives, and how best to provide that support.

How long will I be involved in the study?

If you participate, you will be part of the programme for 18 months.

What kind of support will I receive?

You could receive help with finding a job, financial support for housing and groceries, a community worker to connect you to services, and personal coaching.

Do I have to live in a specific area to join?

Yes, you need to be living in a privately rented home in the Greater Toronto Area or Niagara Region for at least one month before the study starts.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, your participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw from the study at any time.

How to find out more

Naomi S Thulien, NP-PHC, PhD

naomi.thulien@unityhealth.to 416-360-4000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.