The issue of homelessness in Montreal is continuing to worsen, with encampments becoming more prevalent as the city struggles to find solutions to the crisis. Advocates are calling for increased government support for the homeless population, which currently numbers around 5,000. Anick Desrosiers of RAPSIM highlights the challenges faced by those without homes, often being forced back to the streets due to lack of available housing. She emphasizes the need for the city to support people living in encampments rather than evicting them, as this can lead to increased vulnerability and isolation.
James Hughes, President and CEO of the Old Brewery Mission, acknowledges that encampments are a direct result of the housing crisis and lack of available spaces in shelters. He stresses the importance of thoughtful intervention when addressing encampments, recognizing the complexity of the issue. The organization is expanding its services to meet the growing demands of the homeless population while also focusing on prevention programs for those at risk of homelessness. A recent $5 million donation from the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation will go towards building a 27-unit housing complex for individuals over 50, aiming to provide long-term solutions for those in need.
The Old Brewery Mission’s prevention programs aim to support individuals at risk of homelessness until they can become self-sufficient and autonomous. Francesco Miele, the foundation’s executive vice-president, emphasizes the importance of accompanying individuals with services to help them achieve independence. In addition to the housing complex on Pie-X Boulevard, the organization is working on four other housing projects, including the Tenaquip Place in Lachine. Despite the challenges posed by the homelessness crisis, Hughes remains optimistic about the future, citing increased investments in addressing the issue.
The campaign launched by the Old Brewery Mission aims to raise $50 million over five years to fund various initiatives to support the homeless population. The organization is focusing on providing housing and support services to individuals in need, with the goal of helping them avoid the trauma of homelessness. By investing in prevention programs and long-term housing solutions, the Old Brewery Mission is taking a proactive approach to addressing the root causes of homelessness in Montreal. Despite the ongoing challenges, there is a sense of hope and progress in the efforts to find lasting solutions to homelessness.
Various activists and organizations are working together to address the homelessness crisis in Montreal, with a focus on increasing government support, providing adequate housing, and offering preventative programs to support those at risk of homelessness. The initiatives launched by the Old Brewery Mission, including the construction of a housing complex and expansion of services, are aimed at addressing the immediate needs of the homeless population while also working towards long-term solutions. As the city grapples with the escalating issue of homelessness, there is a growing sense of optimism and determination to find sustainable solutions to support those in need.
