On any given night 35,000 Canadians have no place to call home.

Up to 15 percent of the homeless population in Canada is struggling with mental illness. A lack of affordable housing that meets their specific needs is an issue that needs to be addressed.

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.

Do you have something to say about the article you just read? Be part of the Policy Options discussion, and send in your own submission. Here is a link on how to do it. | Souhaitez-vous réagir à cet article ? Joignez-vous aux débats d’Options politiques et soumettez-nous votre texte en suivant ces directives.