The issue of encampments and homelessness in Montreal is escalating, with approximately 5,000 individuals currently without homes. Advocates are pushing for more government support to address the crisis and find solutions. Anick Desrosiers of RAPSIM emphasizes the importance of supporting those living in encampments, rather than evicting them, as they are often vulnerable and face difficulties accessing needed services when displaced. She, along with other activists, set up a camp at Victoria Square to protest the city’s practice of dismantling homeless encampments.
Officials at the Old Brewery Mission acknowledge that the housing crisis and lack of space in facilities contribute to the existence of encampments. President and CEO James Hughes highlights the complexity of addressing encampments and emphasizes the need for thoughtful interventions. The organization is expanding its services to meet the growing and more complex demands of homelessness, while also prioritizing prevention programs for the first time. A five-year campaign was recently launched to raise $50 million, with a $5 million donation from the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation going towards the construction of a 27-unit housing complex for individuals over 50 on Pie-X Boulevard.
Francesco Miele, the foundation’s executive vice-president, explains that the goal of the project is to support individuals at risk of homelessness until they can become autonomous. The housing complex is set to open by the spring of 2025, and Old Brewery Mission is also working on four other housing projects including Tenaquip Place in Lachine. Despite the ongoing crisis, Hughes expresses optimism due to the increased investment and support being seen. However, he emphasizes that there is still much work to be done to address and solve homelessness in the city.
The focus on prevention programs marks a shift in approach towards homelessness, as organizations like Old Brewery Mission aim to identify individuals at risk and provide support to prevent them from experiencing homelessness. By offering services and assistance to those at risk of homelessness, the hope is to help them become self-sufficient and avoid the trauma associated with homelessness. The emphasis on prevention, in addition to expanding services and housing projects, reflects a more holistic approach to addressing the root causes of homelessness and finding sustainable solutions.
Despite the challenges posed by the housing crisis and lack of resources, there is a growing sense of hope and optimism among advocates and organizations working to address homelessness in Montreal. The increased investment and focus on prevention programs demonstrate a commitment to finding long-term solutions to the crisis. While there is still much work to be done, the collaboration between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and advocacy groups is essential in creating a comprehensive strategy to support individuals experiencing homelessness and ultimately end the crisis. By prioritizing prevention, expanding services, and investing in affordable housing projects, there is a concerted effort to provide support and stability to those in need.
