Ending homelessness through housing first initiatives

Up to 15 percent of the homeless population in Canada is struggling with mental illness. Could giving them a permanent home be a way off the streets and into a healthier life? Dr. Jino Distasio, Director of the Institute of Urban Studies at the University of Winnipeg and Vicky Stergiopoulos, Psychiatrist-in-chief at St. Michael’s Hospital and investigator for the At home/Chez soi program explain how Housing First initiatives could reduce the number of homeless in Canada. Interview by Mélanie Meloche-Holubowski, social media and podcast editor at EvidenceNetwork.ca, and journalist with Radio-Canada. The Evidence Network of Canadian Health Policy, commonly known as EvidenceNetwork.ca, is a Canadian healthcare resource designed with the needs of journalists in mind. The project links journalists with health policy experts to provide access to credible, evidence-based information. We also create original OpEds, articles, podcasts, infographics, posters and videos on health policy topics for publication in the mainstream media.