MEDIA ADVISORY - Landmark research shows Housing First approach proves effective in Winnipeg, particularly when tailored to the local Aboriginal context

OTTAWA, June 19, 2014 /CNW/ - The Mental Health Commission of Canada will release the final results of the At Home/Chez Soi Winnipeg site, part of the world's largest Housing First research demonstration project. Housing First is an innovative approach to working toward ending homelessness amongst people with mental illness.

When:	Friday, June 20, 2014* 12:00 p.m.: Media Conference - Release of Final Findings 12:40 p.m.: Media Q & A 1:00 p.m.: Networking Break 1:15 p.m.: Panel Discussion for Stakeholders *Media conference and discussion open to all.
What:	Release of At Home/Chez Soi Winnipeg Site Results
Where:	Circle of Life Thunderbird House, 715 Main St, Winnipeg, MB R3B 3N7
Who:	Ms. Louise Bradley, President and CEO, Mental Health Commission of Canada; the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development); the Honourable Peter Bjornson, Manitoba Minister of Housing and Community Development; the Honourable Sharon Blady, Manitoba Minister of Healthy Living and Seniors; Dr. Jino Distasio, Lead Researcher, At Home/Chez Soi Winnipeg Site; At Home/Chez Soi project participant; and, other invited guests.

The MHCC's At Home/Chez Soi, began in 2008 with a $110 million investment from the Government of Canada. At Home/Chez Soi Housing demonstration sites included Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montréal, and Moncton, and involved more than 2,000 Canadians with mental illness experiencing homelessness. The Moncton findings will share two-year outcomes for the site's 201 participants, as well as implications for policy and practice to end chronic homelessness among Canadians living with mental illness.

ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION OF CANADA
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a catalyst for change. We are collaborating with hundreds of partners to change the attitudes of Canadians toward mental health problems and to improve services and support. Our goal is to help people who live with mental health problems and illnesses lead meaningful and productive lives. Together we create change. The Mental Health Commission of Canada is funded by Health Canada.

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The views represented herein solely represent the views of the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Production of this document is made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada.

SOURCE: Mental Health Commission of Canada

or background, contact: Glenn Johnson, Mental Health Commission of Canada, Mobile: [phone], Email: [email protected]