Money, Drugs, and Voluntary Trusteeship; Applying Harm Reduction to Money Management Programs for People Who Use Substances

The objective of this research is to explore whether the Harm Reduction Trustee Case Management program at St. Stephen's Community House is reaching its objectives by improving overall quality of life for clients who are actively using substances and have a history of homelessness. Methods: A qualitative, non-experimental approach was used. Eighteen (18) retrospective pre-test-post-test questionnaires were completed. Questionnaires sought information pertaining to whether improvements in stability in terms of housing, financial, substance use, and overall quality of life were identified by clients. Results: All program outcomes measured, indicated improvements based on client responses. Post- test results indicated that 100% of clients are housed and maintaining their housing. One hundred percent (100%) of responses indicate that clients are practicing safe using strategies in terms of using substances since joining the program; and 78% of responses indicate improvements in terms of budgeting skills. Conclusion: The program evaluation has demonstrated that the Harm Reduction Trustee Case Management program it meeting its objectives and offering support that improves housing retention/stability as well as improving overall quality of life for clients enrolled in the program.