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Partners in your work

We’re on a mission to drive meaningful social change and community impact through research, evaluation, strategy, and innovation. The benefit of our service is our approach: we are collaborative and participatory, driven by equity and and strong community ethics, grounded in evidence, community-driven and action-oriented in our results. Whether you want to assess the impact of your program, apply systems thinking to your work, integrate an equity lens, or plan your impact more strategically, Habitus is here as your partner. We’ll apply our interdisciplinary skills in research, evaluation, strategy, data management, program planning, and community engagement to help you make the difference you want to see in the world.

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about us

Background and History

When Habitus was founded in 2015, we set off with a simple goal: to take research off the shelf and action it through a grounded and participatory approach. We wanted to explore how valuable research tools and academic knowledge could be better mobilized in the community.  Good research and strategy need not happen in isolation from those most impacted. Through our experience, we knew there was a gap to fill.    

Since then our team has grown. Our staff offer a range of skills and expertise in research, evaluation, data management, engagement, and organizational strategy. Our work has, and continues to be, guided by a vision where good ideas, grounded in experience and community, guide decision making and enhance impact. In fact, good research and good strategies come about when communities, nonprofits, and governments find convergence.

With over 160 projects completed across Alberta, Canada, and the UK, our team brings a wealth of experience to your ideas.  

Whether you need a robust assessment of your programs, evidence informed recommendations for program strengthening, strategic direction for your organizational goals, a thoughtful community engagement strategy, or your organisational or program data brought into alignment with your equity goals, we are here to build it with you.

Our

Approach

Our approach at Habitus is unique. With each project we continually adapt, meeting the needs of the client and challenges of the project. We experiment and build from what works, and are guided by:

Habitus

Mission, Vision, and Values

At Habitus we are on a mission to drive meaningful social change and community impact through research, evaluation, strategy, and innovation. Our team is integral to this mission. We are committed to a respectful workplace that values diverse experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas. This encourages us to be innovative and forward-thinking as we all learn together.

No matter the size of the project, we always invest the same quality of work and energy. This allows our spheres of influence and partnerships to expand, which is a key aspect of how we measure our growth and success as an organization.

As our unique culture evolves, we continue to work towards creating a workplace that places its mission at the heart of all it does.

Commitment to Social Impact

At Habitus, we are committed to meaningful social impact:

Engaging in Socially Impactful Projects

By taking on projects in collaboration with communities, non-profits, and governments we are aligning with a vision for a better community, at the local context and beyond. We focus and dedicate our resources and expertise to initiatives that address social challenges.

Supporting Education through Student Placements

We offer opportunities for student placements, providing real-world experience and exposure to social impact projects. This commitment to education enriches the learning experiences of students and helps develop professionals dedicated to making a positive difference.

Building Connections and Collaborations

We recognize the power of collaboration. We actively foster connections by engaging in partnerships and collaborations that amplify diverse perspectives and expertise.  These partnerships address complex social challenges more effectively.

Facilitating Workshops

We conduct workshops that empower individuals and communities with knowledge and skills. These workshops serve as a platform for sharing insights, fostering dialogue, and creating tangible solutions to social issues that are grounded in experience.

Living Wage Employer

We are committed to social responsibility by being a living wage employer. By ensuring that our employees receive fair compensation, we contribute to the economic well-being of our workforce and set a positive example for ethical employment practices.

Habitus not only kept the project moving forward with a meticulous attention to detail, always finding the balance between meeting deadlines and ensuring the highest quality, but also coordinated essential components and mobilized various resources to ensure a cohesive approach.

Refugee Assistance Program (RAP) Secretariat, Handbook Working Group

They were thoroughly mindful with who they assigned to our project. They also shared insights from their formative evaluations throughout the duration of the project, which made our work more wholesome.

University of Calgary, YARI-Collective

The Habitus team has been a real asset to the work I have asked them to complete.  They are extremely competent and work hard to get the outcomes that I was looking for in all the studies they were assigned.  I appreciate the ongoing communications with the team during the project, but more importantly the follow-up afterwards to ensure that our expectations had been met.  I have no hesitation recommending Habitus to others!

The Doorway

Habitus Consulting Collective was first referred to me by colleagues in the vulnerable population serving sector due to their understanding and expertise in engaging people with lived experience.  I quickly learned that the Habitus team is extremely professional and knowledgeable.  Their work with SHARP included research and evaluation, and encompassed a wide spectrum of issues including homelessness, access to support, gender identity, sexual orientation, poverty, and other social determinants of health.

Sharp Foundation

Habitus Collective has been nothing short of transformational for our community. Their unwavering support helped us craft a strategic plan and secure vital grants that have empowered us to provide services we once thought impossible. Through their guidance, we gained not only resources but a clear vision and renewed purpose. Their commitment to working with dignity, trust, and genuine care for our community has forged a partnership that will have a lasting impact for years to come.

Sudanese Social Club

Our partnership with Habitus Collective pushes our small but mighty team at Rise Calgary forward in making strong evidence and equity-based decisions as we conduct quality improvements, test innovations, and strategize to envision and build new realities both for our organization and Calgarians living on very low incomes.

Rise Calgary

They are always prompt, well prepared, and tuned in to our agency goals and needs.  I look forward to continuing our collaborative partnership with them for many more years to come.

Prospect Human Services

What sets Habitus apart is not only their expertise but also their genuine passion for creating a more equitable society. They approach every challenge with empathy and an open mind, and their collaborative spirit made working together a rewarding experience. Their contributions have left a lasting impact on our efforts to build a more just and inclusive community. Their dedication and skill set make them an invaluable asset to any organization or project.

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