A Montreal homeless shelter is expanding its capacity to provide housing for those in need, with a significant boost in funding from the city. The Old Mission Brewery is set to receive $400,000 from a $2-million fund split among four housing development groups, enabling them to add 237 apartments by 2028.
Jean-François Degenais, overseeing the Brewery’s rehousing program, mentioned that some units are already being renovated or under construction, showing progress in the shelter’s efforts to accommodate more individuals.
Between April 2024 and March 2025, the shelter housed 100 people in its units, a number expected to grow with the increased funding. Montreal’s initiative aims to support organizations in acquiring and developing affordable housing, potentially adding around 6,300 units below market rates.
Luc Rabouin, a mayoral candidate, emphasized the importance of assisting small organizations in expanding their operations to address the housing crisis. The goal is for affordable housing to make up 20% of the city’s housing stock by 2050, a significant increase from the current 7%.
Inspired by successful models like Vienna, where half the population lives in affordable housing, Montreal seeks to enhance its capacity for housing development through funding non-profits. The aim is to create sustainable solutions for housing insecurity in the city.
Michel Taylor, president of Gérer son quartier, expressed the urgent need for more affordable housing as homelessness and rent challenges continue to rise. With the funding received, his organization plans to double its housing units in the next two years.
With a vision to build a more inclusive and sustainable city, Montreal is investing in affordable housing initiatives that aim to address the needs of its vulnerable populations.
