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.
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.
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:
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
We champion equity and are committed to driving change through continuous learning and decolonizing research. We actively foster inclusive environments, where everyone shares a sense of belonging, is treated with…
Collaboration and Participation
Through collaboration we leverage shared knowledge, co-developing strategies with clients and communities for responsive, actionable solutions based on collective experience.
Partnership
Every project is a partnership. We pride ourselves on a customer-oriented approach and endeavour to foster strong working relationships with our clients and partners.
Ethics and Integrity
Ethics and integrity are fundamental to our work. We are accountable to those affected by our work and the relationships we develop along the way.
Grounded
Grounded in the experiences of communities, we practice empathy, cultural humility, and continuous learning. We value diverse perspectives in the co-creation of knowledge.
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
Supporting Education through Student Placements
Building Connections and Collaborations
Facilitating Workshops
Living Wage Employer
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.