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Former CMHA branch unveils new name

The Brandon Sun - 12/12/2018

The former Westman branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association is now the Community Health and Housing Association after a contest to decide on a new name.

The new organization became independent earlier this year over concerns a legal agreement from the national organization would have reduced their independence.

Regional manager Glen Kruck said the decision was specifically made to take the word "mental" out of the organization's name because of the ongoing stigma around mental health. He said it made people reluctant to walk in the door.

Instead, the organization added the word "housing" to reflect its commitment and the need in the area for affordable housing.

"We have over 60 housing units in the city of Brandon so housing is a huge piece of what we do as well," Kruck said. "Without housing your health is not all that great, so the two work together really, really well."

"We're here to address community needs, that's why we got into housing, that's why we got into homelessness, that's why we're moving into provide addictions services, all those is a response to needs in the community."

The name Community Health and Housing Association was chosen from among 178 entrants to the contest. He said the group is now hosting a new contest now for their logo and submissions can be sent to ournewlogocontest@gmail.com by March 31, 2019.

» dmay@brandonsun.com

» Twitter: @DrewMay_