Creating a Framework for Social Enterprise as a Bridge to Employment and Self Sufficiency for Kingstonians Living in Social Housing

Youth living in social housing often face a number of challenges to success, including histories of intergenerational poverty, high rates of mental health and substance use issues, limited educational attainment, and weak or absent work histories. Secure employment is one approach to addressing key social determinants of health, including having a secure income, food security, access to needed supports, and social connections. Work integration social enterprise (WISE) is an approach to employment generation that creates jobs in a supportive environment while also producing goods and/or services needed in the local community. This study will lay the groundwork for a WISE that will build the employment skills of youth in social housing. Data collection methods will include literature review, interviews with key informants, and visioning sessions. The project activities will be delivered by a post-doctoral fellow (PDF) with the support of a research team and an advisory panel comprised of local partners and relevant stakeholders.

Faculty Supervisor:

Rosemary Lysaght

Student:

Partner:

Kingston and Frontenac Housing Corporation

Discipline:

Business

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Queen's University

Program: