The issue of homelessness has been increasingly noticeable in Montreal, as shelters face pressure and more individuals struggle to secure stable housing. With the impending municipal election, advocates are emphasizing the urgency of the crisis and calling for tangible commitments from mayoral candidates to address the root causes.
James Hughes, the president and CEO of Old Brewery Mission, expressed his concern that the homelessness problem may not be adequately resolved in the upcoming election. He emphasized the need for the City of Montreal to step up and tackle the worsening issues.
As the city prepares for a new mayor, advocates are urging all candidates to prioritize homelessness as a crucial issue. They are highlighting three key areas for attention: housing, encampments, and prevention strategies to reduce the number of individuals seeking shelter.
During a recent press conference, Luc Rabouin, a mayoral candidate from Project Montréal, pledged to address the housing crisis by introducing new measures to protect rooming houses citywide. He acknowledged the fears of many Montrealers about losing their homes and ending up on the streets, particularly those living in rooming houses.
Sheltered homelessness in Quebec has seen a 15% increase since 2022, raising concerns about the sustainability of shelters in Montreal. Na’kuset, the executive director of the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal, highlighted the challenges faced by shelters in securing funding and emphasized the need for more core funding to support their essential work.
