Urban Matters supported the creation of a region-wide Poverty Reduction Strategy for the Comox Valley. A range of engagement methods were used including focus groups, engagement with people with lived and living experience (PWLLE), a public survey, and Game Changers workshops to bring community members and change-makers together to formulate priorities for action that target the root causes of poverty and affect wellness. Significant background research into the indicators of wellness and best practices for tracking outcomes across the Social Determinants of Health was also completed.

The project team of the Comox Valley Regional District included staff representation as well as community partner representation from the Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness, the Comox Valley Community Health Network, and the Comox Valley Social Planning Committee. Working with community partners supported collaboration and ensured that the Strategy put local voices at the forefront of creating tangible actions.

Impact:

By targeting upstream Social Determinants of Health, this strategy created 14 Game Changing Actions for multiple stakeholders to contribute to using an interdisciplinary approach. The strategy is already being used by community organizations and local governments to make strategic planning decisions for the next one to two years.