The Reaching Home Systems Mapping Toolkit was developed for communities by Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC). The toolkit includes:

• A Reference Guide that provides step-by-step instructions to help communities create a systems map and a Resource Inventory, as well as background information and tips for using the results. 
• A Workbook with two customizable templates, one for Systems Mapping and another for a Resource Inventory.

In general, systems mapping is a process used by communities to develop a comprehensive understanding of a local network of community services, such as a homeless-serving system, as well as connections between these service providers and broader, inter-related service systems. A Resource Inventory is a sub-set of a broader systems map. Communities use this document to describe the service providers that have agreed to fill vacancies through Coordinated Access in more detail, helping to inform the matching and referral process.

This is the second version of the Systems Mapping Guide and Workbook. It was updated based on feedback from the first version released in 2020, which was developed specifically by HICC for Reaching Home communities in British Columbia. 

The Systems Mapping Reference Guide and Workbook will be updated over time to reflect best practices in the homeless-serving sector. To suggest edits for future versions, please contact the Homelessness Policy Directorate at HICC by email.