Quebec organizations dedicated to aiding survivors of gender-based violence are poised to receive a significant boost with $50 million in federal funding over the next two years. This move is lauded by advocates who believe it will assist countless women in accessing secure housing and vital support services.
The joint effort of the Canadian and Quebec governments has resulted in an agreement to allocate this funding through the Canada-Quebec Housing Agreement. The primary objective is to aid survivors of family and intimate-partner violence in transitioning to and sustaining private-market rental housing. Additionally, financial aid will be directly provided to eligible households through Quebec’s Rent Supplement Program.
This funding comes at a crucial time as Quebec has reported 14 suspected femicides this year, with three occurring within a two-week period. For organizations that offer support to women facing violence, this financial injection signifies a tangible step towards addressing the housing instability and other dangers that survivors encounter.
Diane Pilote, the executive director of Chez Doris, expressed optimism about the announcement, emphasizing that it offers hope to organizations striving to tackle the interconnection between poverty, homelessness, and violence against women.
