Introduction

This document is a result of a project by Street Haven Learning Centre. The project, entitled "StreetReach", was a joint effort by the members of the Toronto Street Education Coalition (TSEC). TSEC has worked together for the last three years sharing information and advocating for literacy work with homeless and socially isolated learners. The partner agencies of TSEC include: St. Christopher House Adult Literacy Program, Alpha-Toronto, Street Haven Learning Centre, and Beat the Street.

One of the deliverables of the project was to produce an information and referral protocol for use by agencies serving people who are homeless to assist them in referring potential learners to literacy services.

The object of this protocol is to provide staff in drop-ins and shelters information which will enable them to:

• understand and be aware of the issue of literacy;
• identify a person with literacy issues;
• talk to the client regarding literacy needs in a safe and supportive way;
• and find out the best place to refer participants with literacy needs.

Who will benefit from this protocol?

• Social service agencies that work with people who are homeless will benefit by learning more about literacy issues.
• Potential literacy learners who are homeless will benefit because staff at the places they go will be able to address their literacy needs as well as the other basic needs they have (e.g. food, clothing, shelter).