Bright Minds from Across the Nation Gather to Discuss How to End Homelessness

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Nov. 27, 2012) -

WHAT: The Calgary Homeless Foundation (CHF) will host a biannual research symposium with key note speaker Dr. Stephen Gaetz. This free event is generously sponsored by Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP (BD&P).

The symposium gathers a diverse group of stakeholders together, including researchers, academics, community members, service providers and all levels of government to collaborate, share, learn and develop priorities to update Calgary's local research agenda.

In the morning, researchers will share their findings on topics such as how data should guide approaches to end homelessness, the unique impact of Calgary's climate, labour market and law enforcement on homelessness, prevention of homelessness, and women cycling in and out of the homelessness and justice systems.

In the afternoon, the Alberta Homelessness Research Consortium will discuss the potential benefits of a multi-disciplinary, province-wide, trans-regional research consortium to enhance knowledge and practice, while informing A Plan for Alberta: Ending Homelessness in 10 Year Years.

WHERE/WHEN: Pekisko Room, McDougall Centre, 455 6 St. S.W., Calgary

Thursday, November 29, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

WHO: Dr. Stephen Gaetz, Director of the Canadian Research Network, Associate professor, York University
Research impact: how research can contribute to ending homelessness

Dr. Ron Kneebone, School of Public Policy, University of Calgary
Employment, the weather, and by-law enforcement: effects on homelessness in Calgary

Dr. Bernie Pauly, School of Nursing, University of Victoria, Centre for Addictions Research B.C
Substance abuse and homelessness: exploring the options

Dr. Leslie Tutty, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary
The Homeless Assets and Risk Tool (HART) pilot (Calgary sample)

Dr. Wilfreda Thurston, Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary
Preliminary results from the developing culturally safe services project

Dr. Gayle Rutherford, Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary
Invisible women: cycling between homelessness and incarceration

ABOUT: The CHF leads the implementation of Calgary's 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness. The Foundation is moving forward on Calgary's 10 Year Plan in partnership with the many homeless-serving agencies, the private sector, our government partners, the faith community, other foundations and all Calgarians to end homelessness in Calgary once and for all. For more information, visit calgaryhomeless.com.