Creating a Community Resource List

Thinking About Creating a Resource Guide?

Community resource lists are a popular 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.

Before creating a new resource list, it is worth considering whether one already exists and how the information will be maintained over time.

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Without a plan for ongoing maintenance, a resource list can quickly become outdated.

Avoiding Duplication of Effort

Halton Information Providers (HIP) was created to reduce duplication of effort in collecting, maintaining, and sharing information about community services.

Rather than many organizations independently researching and updating information about the same services, HIP members work together to maintain shared community information that can be used by residents, service providers, healthcare organizations, community groups, and governments.

One way this information is shared is through the Halton Community Services Directory (hipinfo.ca).

All listings maintained by HIP are reviewed at least once annually, with higher-priority services reviewed more frequently. Records are updated throughout the year through agency update requests, service monitoring, direct contact with organizations, and ongoing database maintenance.

Best Practices

If you are creating a resource list:

• • Check whether a similar list 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.

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 duplication, access current information, and develop a sustainable maintenance plan.

• • Information Oakville (Lead Agency for HIP)

  • 905-815-5952

  • informationoakville@oakville.ca