Agenda Package - City of Vernon

Evaluation of Homelessness Strategy for the North Okanagan
Recommendations:
The recommendations were developed not as a criticism of performance, for in fact
much has been achieved, but rather as suggestions from which performance and outcomes
could be improved. These recommendations relate to two broad subjects: the process of future
strategic planning efforts; and future programming initiatives/emphasis. There are no surprises
nor great changes that are required. Of course there needs to be some new directions and there
needs to be certain changes or improvements in some established patterns, and most
importantly there needs to be a commitment by local partners to make these changes. But
collectively the suggestions are not unduly daunting.
Recommendation - Stratesic Planning: lf strategic planning is to be the foundation for future
programming and by implication future decisions and actions:
1. The organization should continue to emphasize an open, consultative process in the
identification of needs and the articulation of goals, objectives and actions. Client and
stakeholder engagement is critical to success and this practice has been well
entrenched. lt should continue to be a defining characteristic of the exercise.
2. As a starting point "homelessness" and the "homeless" as it pertains to Vernon and the
North Okanagan should be described and defined. This has implications to future
planning and subsequent programming.
3. An initial baseline of information is required. lt is an essential starting point or reference
to point direction and measure progress.
4. Core principles of behavior should be affirmed. The organization was particularly
effective in its previous effort because of these core principles and this practice should
continue to be emphasized with a particular focus on: collaboration/cooperation;
awareness; accessibility; transparency; inclusivity; and equity.
5. A clear vision is required; is it reducing or eliminating homelessness, or dealing with the
symptoms/consequences of homelessness?
6. Specific goals and objectives need to be spelled out. They should flow directly and
logically from the vision. lndividual actions or tactics in turn should follow logically from
these goals and objectives.
7. A proactive, action oriented approach to programming should continue to be
emphasized. The assignment of responsibilities (accountability) to individuals and
individual agencies should continue as before. The Partner's in Action team approach to
challenges should continue.
8. Performance indicators should be "readily" and "easily" measurable; and most
importantly appropriate to the objective/goal that is expected to accrue from the
activity. Adopting a SMART approach to the preparation of appropriate indicators is a
good rule of thumb (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time bound).
g. The process of spelling out specific accountabilities and specific milestones should
continue.
10. Build into the planning exercise a system of early warning to facilitate pre-planning that
might better position the organization to deal with certain crises and/or take advantage
of selected opportunities when they arise.
Lt'ii
sfrlllt Lochaven Management Consultants Ltd.
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