Quebec invests $9.7M in Montreal’s emergency homeless shelter services
Global News
The homeless crisis across the province is getting worse, especially in Montreal. The provincial government will be investing $9.7 million to help tackle it.
The Quebec government is giving over $9 million to help the city of Montreal add nearly 200 emergency shelter beds. The money will also allow some shelters to provide 24-7 services.
There are more than 4,500 visible homeless people in the city, according to the provincial government’s latest head count done in October 2022.
“Half of the amount of money coming from the government of Quebec comes to Montreal,” Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante said. “Half the homeless people are actually here in Montreal and we want to take care of them.”
There are currently 1,800 emergency beds across the city. In the short term, the money will be used to create 188 more beds in existing organizations, but more permanent solutions are coming in the long term.
“The focus and the emphasis that I’m hearing on permanent housing is something that we’ve advocated for a very long time,” Welcome Hall Mission CEO Sam Watts said.
“Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant says the long-term plan aims to create more 24-7 services and to help those living on the streets reintegrate into permanent supportive housing.
“This is the way to go. Because it’s a complex situation and people need to be accompanied through housing,” said Carmant. “We are going to see about 200 of them in the next few weeks, but if you look over the next year there may be 500 or more coming.”
Many housing advocates say it’s a major step in the right direction but specialized services are needed more than ever.
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