The Community Action Hub at ICH: Engaging with PWLE through a Participatory Action Research model

The Community Action Hub (CAH), cofounded, codesigned, and composed of people with lived experiences (PWLE) of homelessness, aims to end homelessness in Massachusetts. Their theory of change identifies four pathways towards this goal: (1) continuous professional development for CAH researchers, (2) wellness events and compensated research opportunities for those currently experiencing homelessness, (3) action research on homelessness, and (4) policy change. By partnering with CAH, the Institute for Community Health (ICH), provides trauma-informed, low-barrier employment to CAH members. Inspired by the Action Hub model, developed by the Youth Action Hub at the Institute for Community Research, this partnership uses Participatory Action Research methods to engage in research and evaluation work informed by the expertise of PWLE. In this session, ICH and CAH members will share their experience engaging in the Action Hub model, including successes, challenges, and perspectives on using this model to enhance evaluation practice.
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Sydney Bangs; Jami Entwistle; Danielle Hazen; Suani Matos Mendez; Erika Decklar, MPH