2008-10-03 - Award Winning 'Stomp out Stigma Presentation' and Luncheon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 3, 2008

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Media Contact
Contact name: Debra Hendren
Title: HRC Manager
Phone number: (248) 928-011
Email Address: dhendren@chninc.net

Award Winning Stomp out Stigma Presentation and Luncheon
Tuesday October 21, 2008 11:30AM - 1PM at Community Housing Network

Troy, MI - Community Housing Network, Inc. (CHN) will host the CNS award winning Stomp Out Stigma Presentation on October 21, 2008 at its offices at 570 Kirts Blvd., Suite 231 Troy, MI 48084. The luncheon will take place from 11:30AM to 1PM. The Community Network Services Anti-Stigma Team will educate their audience on mental health issues to break through the myths and stigmas that continue to circulate in society.

Community Housing Network, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness for persons living with mental and developmental disabilities in Oakland and Macomb Counties. CHN recognizes the specific struggles that homeless people who have disabilities face.

In a recent interview, one grateful client who struggled through the stigmatization of homelessness while living with a mental illness expressed that through the services of Community Housing Network, he was able to "gain an abundance of confidence and self worth." Another client expressed the unique difficulties she faced: "You can look normal all you want, but when you struggle with mental illness, regardless of what it is, if it's anything, it's very hard."

With the Michigan economy experiencing severe difficulties, lack of affordable housing has become a challenge for many persons living with mental disabilities in our local communities. Every year 600,000 families and 1.35 million children experience homelessness in the United States. The average age of a homeless person is nine, and a disproportionate number of these families have members with disabilities. According to a 2006 study, Oakland County alone is home to more than 1,313 disabled persons, many with mental illnesses, who are currently seeking housing and assistance. CHN and CNS are fighting to end the stigmatization of homelessness and to prevent and end homelessness in Oakland and Macomb counties.

*The public is invited to attend this event, free of charge. Seating is limited. RSVP required.