Creating a Community Resource List

Thinking About Creating a Resource Guide?

Community resource lists are a valuable way to share information about local services and supports. They may take the form of brochures, PDF guides, webpages, referral sheets, social media posts, or internal staff resources.

The most effective resource lists are designed for a specific audience, built using trusted information sources, and maintained over time.

Before creating a new resource list, consider whether one already exists and how the information will be kept current.

Why This Matters

Community services change frequently. Programs open and close, funding changes, eligibility criteria are updated, and contact information changes.

Without a plan for ongoing maintenance, a resource list can quickly become outdated.

Connecting Community Information Efforts

Resource lists and community directories serve different purposes.

A resource list can provide a focused, curated pathway to information on a specific topic, while the Halton Community Services Directory (HIPinfo.ca) provides a comprehensive and continuously maintained source of community resource information.

Resource lists work best when they complement, rather than replace, trusted community information systems.

HIP was created to help organizations work together to collect, maintain, and share accurate information about community services. Through the Halton Community Services Directory, Community Resource Specialists help maintain shared community information that can be used by residents, service providers, healthcare organizations, community groups, and governments.

Best Practices

If you are creating a resource list:

• • Check whether a similar resource already exists.

  • Use HIPinfo.ca as a primary source of information.

  • Clearly define the purpose and audience for the list.

  • Include the date the list was published or last reviewed.

  • Establish a process for ongoing updates.

  • Include a link to HIPinfo.ca so users can access the most current information.

  • Encourage organizations to submit updates through HIPinfo.ca.

Community Information and AI

Search engines, referral systems, community navigation services, and emerging AI tools rely on trusted community resource information.

Using HIPinfo.ca as a source helps improve consistency across resource lists, referral systems, and digital tools, helping people find accurate information when they need it.

Suggested Disclaimer

Information in this resource list was sourced from the Halton Community Services Directory (HIPinfo.ca) and was current at the time of publication.

Community service information changes frequently. For the most current information and additional services, visit HIPinfo.ca.

To update information for an organization or suggest a new organization or service for inclusion, visit HIPinfo.ca and use the "Suggest Update" link on a directory record, or contact Information Oakville (Lead Agency for HIP) at 905-815-5952 or hip@oakville.ca.

Inclusion in this resource list does not imply endorsement. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, some organizations may have been inadvertently omitted.

Need Help?

Planning to create a community resource list?

Contact HIP before you begin. We may be able to help you identify existing resources, avoid unnecessary duplication, access current information, and develop a sustainable maintenance plan.

• • Information Oakville (Lead Agency for HIP)

  • 905-815-5952

  • informationoakville@oakville.ca