Supporting social and economic equity to help young people move out of homelessness and thrive
Supporting Social & Economic Equity, Disrupting Cycles of Homelessness, And Nurturing Growth & Empowerment (SEED CHANGE): A Mixed Methods Quasi-experimental Trial of Economic, Social, and Identity Capital Supports for Youth Transitioning Out of Homelessness in Ontario, Canada
This pilot will try an 18-month wraparound program of job help, housing supports, grocery supplements, coaching and community connection for 18–24-year-olds who recently experienced homelessness to see if they engage and find it helpful.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Unity Health Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT07419282 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot co-designs and tests an 18-month wraparound intervention that combines job placement, housing stabilization funds, grocery supplements, a community connections worker, individualized coaching, and a Tools for Intentional Living program for young people transitioning from homelessness. Participants are 18–24 years old with at least four consecutive weeks of homelessness in the past year and currently living in market-rent housing in the Greater Toronto Area or Niagara Region. The study focuses on feasibility (will participants engage and stay engaged) and acceptability (do participants find the supports satisfactory and beneficial) rather than clinical efficacy. Data collection will track engagement, satisfaction, service uptake, and practical outcomes such as employment and housing stability to guide refinement of the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are 18–24-year-olds who experienced at least four consecutive weeks of homelessness in the past year, currently live in market-rent housing in the Greater Toronto Area or Niagara Region, can legally work in Canada, understand English, and are willing to participate in all components for 18 months.
Not a fit: People who are facing imminent eviction, plan to move out of the region during the next 18 months, or are employed full-time or enrolled in full-time education/training are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could increase housing stability, employment and overall well‑being by offering coordinated financial, vocational and social supports during the transition out of homelessness.
How similar studies have performed: Housing-first and wraparound approaches for adults have shown positive effects on housing stability and employment, but youth-specific wraparound models remain less well tested and are more novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 - 24 years * Experienced homelessness (defined as unstable/time-limited housing arrangements like shelter stays, foster care, or couch surfing) for at least four consecutive weeks in the past year * Living in market rent housing (defined as non-subsidized housing, inclusive of both formal and informal rental agreements) in the Greater Toronto Area or Niagara Region for at least one month preceding study start * Willing to actively participate in all components of the intervention * Able to legally work in Canada (includes having a valid Social Insurance Number) * Able to provide free and informed consent * Able to understand English well enough to give consent and participate in the intervention and data collection Exclusion Criteria: * In imminent danger of losing their housing (e.g., facing eviction) * Planning to move out of the Greater Toronto Area or Niagara Region in the next 18 months * Employed full-time or enrolled in an education or training program that requires a long-term (\>4 weeks) full-time work placement (coinciding with the duration of the study intervention) * Receiving rent subsidies (does not include shelter allowance through social welfare programs such as Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program) * Enrolled in a program or study with features similar to the SEED CHANGE intervention (e.g., 1:1 coaching, supported employment, group program targeting identity/social capital)
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Unity Health Toronto — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Naomi S Thulien, NP-PHC, PhD — Unity Health Toronto
- Study coordinator: Naomi S Thulien, NP-PHC, PhD
- Email: naomi.thulien@unityhealth.to
- Phone: 416-360-4000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.