Research & Knowledge Production
The value of solid, reliable data cannot be understated. This is particularly the case in the realm of human services, where good data is often hard to come by. The presence or absence of good data can mean the difference between getting that large grant or having to fold; between providing effective services and just meaning well. The value of data is the same for any scale of organization, which is why we offer services ranging from academic literature reviews to community-based action learning.
There are also information challenges in housing and planning. Both frequently rely significantly on Census data, CMHC/HUD data, local development data, labor force data, employment information, real estate data – and the like. While many of these data sources are readily accessible, it is a common occurrence that the data is used incorrectly. Too many people do not fully appreciate the opportunities and limitations certain data sets contain, or how to create meaningful cross-tabs in the data. At OrgCode, our proficiency in these data sets has resulted in our ability to provide seminars on the correct use of these data sources.
At OrgCode, we believe that the plural of “anecdote” is not “data.” We are opposed to self-declared “best practices” without the support of a comprehensive evaluative framework. We know that evidence-based practices are the best. As a multi-disciplinary team, OrgCode combines expertise from psychology, planning, change and transformation, education, economics, social science, environment, community development, social services, and fine arts. Our end result is a cohesive, informed, and comprehensive research project catered to suit the needs of your organization.
Services
Data Analysis
Data Collection
Information System Improvements
Community-Based Participatory Action Research
Document and Literature Reviews
Report Cards and Outcome Tracking
Performance Measurement and Quality Assurance
Data Analysis
We have considerable expertise and experience working with Census data from many countries, as well as other federal/national data sets. In addition, we work extensively with local, county, state and provincial data especially as it relates to income, economy, housing development, state of housing repair, assessing need and understanding special populations, planning, population growth, homelessness, aging, capacity, infrastructure, etc. We pride ourselves not only on the ability to meaningfully analyze and synthesize data, but to recognize and adequately address the limitations of data.
Data Collection
Sometimes there is insufficient data to measure the impact of a program or to complete a study. In those cases, we design and implement research projects in order to generate data that is meaningful for your organization. (For an example, see Homeless Counts and Needs Assessment.) After obtaining a data set, we will then compile the information and conduct data analysis and synthesis, providing you with robust, meaningful evidence which can then be used to evaluate your organization’s programs.
Information System Improvements
We are well versed in a wide range of data collection and inputting techniques, the expectations of various funding programs and legislation, and we fully understand privacy considerations and the experience of the end-user. Because of this perspective, OrgCode is frequently called upon to provide professional guidance on how to improve information systems. This entails everything from reviewing existing program data and recommending program improvements and data collection and analysis improvements based upon that information, to creating data architecture processes to streamline data within an organization across their various programs, to creating thematic structure for better understanding, and using Homeless Information Systems.
Community-Based Participatory Action Research
Participatory action research is research initiated by a community for the purpose of empowering that community. At OrgCode, we are accustomed to working with a range of different groups including aboriginal peoples, youth, ethnic minorities, substance users, people with mental illness, people with a history of conflict with the law, and more.
We help community members obtain and understand data as it relates to their own experience, and support initiatives to implement positive change. We are able to help empower communities by acting as a bridge between persons with lived experience, elected officials, senior managers within local government, senior managers from housing and service providers, industry and community advocacy and lobbying groups, frontline staff, and the general public.
Document and Literature Reviews
We believe that the document and literature review should be aligned with local circumstances and experience. Our approach is often to provide a document and literature review in combination with our other services. Our literature reviews are meaningful to practitioners, and our planning, housing, and homelessness services are built on evidence. In our evidence-based approach, we look for true best practices (as in independently reviewed and evaluated, not self-proclaimed) from other jurisdictions that may be applicable to your community.
Report Cards and Outcome Tracking
We are well-versed in a number of report card formats for reporting out to your community and elected officials. Our tendency is to lean towards a Balanced Scorecard approach, with indicators and data analysis plan understood before implementation.
Performance Measurement and Quality Assurance
From individual organizations to complete systems encompassing multiple funders and programs, OrgCode has award winning staff with considerable expertise in the complexity of performance measurement and quality assurance. We know there is no one-size fits all approach. We expect services to be measurable and for people to reflect on their own practices as well as embrace external reviews. It is important to us when designing and implementing performance measurement and quality assurance programs that they meet the capacity of the organizations and the community and that there is the opportunity for education and capacity building in the process. Through the process we want people to appreciate that while “data” has four letters, it is unlike other “four letter words.”
Examples
National Alliance to End Homelessness
Washington, DC
OrgCode has been identified as an expert by the National Alliance to End Homelessness in data and performance measurement. This includes a range of activities, from providing technical assistance to the Capacity Building Center to being a seven-time conference presenter at NAEH Conferences. Through the relationship with the NAEH, the reach of providing technical expertise to a range of other communities has also occurred from the District of Columbia to the City of Lincoln and Lancaster County in Nebraska.
Shelter, Support and Housing Administration Division
City of Toronto
OrgCode was the architect of a new performance measurement and quality assurance program for the Shelter, Support and Housing Administration Division of the City of Toronto. This encompassed a range of services and activities and an annual investment of more than $130 Million across more than 100 different agencies and six program areas. Not only did the project create the processes and approach to performance measurement and quality assurance, it also resulted in considerable improvements in data analysis and data collection.
Corporation for Supportive Housing
Detroit, Michigan
OrgCode was approached by the Corporation for Supportive Housing to work with them and the Homeless Action Network Detroit to make improvements in how data is collected and analyzed, as well as make improvements to the overall information system used by providers. The intent was to create a meaningful framework to seize the wealth of valuable information that exists within the community and work with service providers in their understanding and approach to data and information.
Housing Division and Community and Support Services Division
City of London, Ontario
OrgCode was asked to create a report card and implementation plan to track the outcomes of the Community Housing Strategy.
Housing Division and Community and Support Services Division
City of London, Ontario
OrgCode completed a review of hundreds of documents and journal articles representing thousands of pages of information as part of the development of the Community Housing Strategy.
Housing Department
County of Lambton, Ontario
To address an information gap in understanding investment and approaches to housing and homelessness across the County of Lambton – which encompasses both urban and rural areas – OrgCode created a local initiatives survey. Using a snowball technique, the survey filtered through the community in an organic manner and captured information from individual service providers and governmental officials.
Inn From the Cold
Calgary, Alberta
When the Inn from the Cold – a homeless family serving organization in Calgary – wanted to make sure their data was aligned with a Homeless Management Information System implementation, while still meeting other funder, operational and fundraising needs, they turned to OrgCode. Working across multiple departments and carefully dissecting the data requirements from their multiple funders across those departments, OrgCode analyzed existing data materials and requirements, and implemented a survey and key informant interviews across departments to better understand the data collection and utilization process. OrgCode created a data architecture system to streamline data capture and analysis, meet a variety of needs throughout the organization, and create an environment for strong buy-in to the new approach.