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If you provide support to people who are experiencing homelessness or are at-risk of homelessness, the new Fundamentals for the Homelessness Serving Sector micro-credential program is for you. You will enhance your knowledge and gain skills and competencies to support your paid or volunteer roles in the sector.

 

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Program description

Working effectively with people who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness requires specialized skills and knowledge. This program is designed through engagement with local housing providers and peers in community and is aligned with sector and peer-identified needs. It will provide accessible and flexible training to develop and enhance your knowledge, critical competencies and skills for paid or volunteer roles in the homelessness serving sector. The training resources and exercises will increase your confidence and the design allows you to move through the topics at your own pace and in the order that best suits your needs.

The Division of Continuing Studies at the University of Victoria and the Alliance to End Homelessness in the Capital Region would like to acknowledge funding received from the Government of Canada through the Reaching Home Program, administered by the Community Entity (Capital Regional District, CRD) for the development of the Fundamentals of the Homelessness Serving Sector courses and micro-credential being offered by the Continuing Studies at the University of Victoria.

Program outcomes

This program supports the development of knowledge, skills and competencies necessary for work in the homelessness serving sector. On completion of the program, you will be able to:

  • Describe types of homelessness and factors contributing to homelessness and explain housing first principles
  • Explain issues related to mental health and substance use within the context of the homelessness serving sector
  • Explain the impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities resulting in disproportionate representation in the population experiencing homelessness
  • Explain gender and sexuality-based issues within the context of the homelessness serving sector
  • Apply person-centered, trauma-informed, and decolonized best practices to roles and procedures within the homelessness serving sector
  • Develop a self-care plan to manage stressors related to working in the homelessness serving sector

Program partners

Alliance to End Homelessness in the Capital Region logo

Alliance to End Homelessness in the Capital Region


CRD logo

Capital Regional District


Government of Canada

This project is funded by the Government of Canada

Who is this program for?

This program is for anyone who works or volunteers in the homelessness serving sector or is seeking work in the sector. 

Career options

Some of our learners pursue careers in the following roles:
  • Housing and Shelter Support worker
  • Community Outreach worker
  • Peer worker
  • Mental health worker
  • Volunteer in the homelessness serving sector

Courses and fees

Upon successful completion of each course, you will receive a certificate of participation. If you complete all six courses, you will receive a micro-certificate.

= Courses open for registration

Estimated fees

Description Fee
This program is offered free of charge for Vancouver Island residents who work or volunteer in the homelessness-serving sector until March 2025. $0.00
Estimated Total $0.00*
*IMPORTANT NOTE:
Fees listed in this section are an estimate. Total program fees may vary depending on delivery format, course selections, student fees, textbooks and taxes.

Application information

How to apply

There is no application necessary for this program, simply register above. Once you have successfully completed all six courses, please complete this online form and you will receive a micro-certificate.