The Governments of Canada and Quebec, together with the organization Artère de l’Est, today inaugurated a new transitional housing service for young people aged 16 to 23 who are living in precarious or vulnerable situations.
Located at 11180 Notre-Dame Street in Montreal’s east end, the facility offers safe accommodation, psychosocial support, and reintegration activities designed to help young residents build autonomy and stability.
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“Offering a roof over their heads and support to our young people in vulnerable situations means giving them a real chance to rebuild their future,” said The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “The Government of Canada is proud to work with the Government of Quebec and organizations like Artère de l’Est to support initiatives that promote independence, dignity and hope.”
The service operates 24/7, providing 10 beds, a temporary space with a sofa bed, sanitary facilities, a laundry room, and meals, along with personalized guidance tailored to each individual’s needs and aspirations.
The inauguration was attended by Éric St-Pierre, Member of Parliament for Honoré-Mercier; Sonia Bélanger, Minister responsible for Seniors and Caregivers, Social Services, and the Laurentians region; and Chantal Rouleau, Minister responsible for Social Solidarity, Community Action, and the Montreal region.
“Every young person deserves access to a safe and caring environment,” said St-Pierre. “And that’s exactly why this new accommodation service will make a real difference in lives here in Montreal’s east end. It will provide many young people with an anchor, support and the opportunity to rebuild their lives, which will help prevent exclusion and build a more resilient and inclusive community.”
This project represents an investment of over $1.7 million. The Government of Canada contributed $422,465 through the Reaching Home program and over $912,000 through the Community Encampment Response Plan (CERP), while the Government of Quebec provided $400,000 via its program to revitalize Montreal’s east end.
Officials emphasized that the initiative will provide critical support to young people facing homelessness or instability, offering them a safe environment and the tools to build a more secure future.
“Offering young people in the east end of the island of Montreal this welcoming, safe and supportive space is a concrete and human response to a crying need in our society,” said Bélanger. “I am delighted with the collaboration with the organization l’Artère de l’Est, which embodies the values of solidarity, dignity and hope that we carry. Only by continuing to work together with all partners and organizations can we meet the needs of young people and give them every opportunity to succeed.”
