A major Canadian initiative to address mental health and homelessness.

Over the past 20 years homelessness has emerged as a significant social problem affecting thousands of people every night in cities across Canada (Bégin, Casavant, & Chenier, 1999; Hwang, 2001).The prevalence of mental health problems and addictions is considerably higher among homeless people than among the general population (Aubry, Klodawsky, & Hay, 2003; Canadian Institute for Health Information [CIHI], 2007; Hwang, 2001; Paterson, Somers, McIntosh, Shiell, & Frankish, 2008). The Mental Health Commission of Canada has launched a multi-site research demonstration project in mental health and homelessness. In February 2008 the federal government allocated $110 million to support the growing number of homeless people who have a mental illness.The overall goal of this innovative project, titled Research Demonstration Project in Mental Health and Homelessness, is to provide housing and support services to people who are homeless and have mental health problems.The 4-year project, the first of its kind in Canada, will be conducted in five cities:Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, and Moncton.The Mental Health Commission has awarded funding to consortia involving researchers, service providers, and persons who have experienced mental illness and homelessness in these cities.Although the project is managed by the Commission, consumer representatives and consumer researchers, as part of a special consumer panel, will be offering their perspectives throughout the design and implementation process.