Hi everyone!

Last week, I discussed my successful focus groups; however, this week, I had my final one, which was a failure. The population of focus was scattered site tenants, also known as independent housing. I had to plan a central location for the session and then mail flyers to individuals. A colleague who handles mailing information sent out about 70 flyers over two weeks ago. They had put extra flyers on my desk that I did not look at because I designed them and already knew what was there. The day before the session was to be held, I was cleaning up my desk and decided to recycle the extra flyers. When I looked at them, I noticed that it stated the focus group would be held July 2, but it was really meant to be July 26. The six had been cut off, which meant no one knew the actual date

It was too late for me to do anything about the mistake. I informed my supervisor about the issue, and we decided I would still go to the focus group location if someone showed up. No one came. It was frustrating because I had put so much effort into planning this focus group. I mapped out all Community Housing Network’s (CHN) scattered sites to identify clusters near public transit and a public or CHN-owned location to hold the session. I tried so hard to make sure tenants at scattered sites could have their voices heard. I know my supervisor will find a way to engage these tenants.

Even with one complete failure, I held three successful focus groups with a wide range of tenants. Everyone who attended the focus groups provided solid feedback and suggestions that will improve CHN’s ability to provide excellent service to the community.