Quebec pledges $ 280 million to address homelessness

The plan prioritizes providing housing options throughout the year and assisting individuals in the transition to permanent housing.

Author of the article:

The Canadian Press

Frédéric Lacroix-Couture

Publication date:

October 18, 2021 • 19 minutes ago • 1 minute read • Join the conversation

The pandemic has added to homelessness in Montreal on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Some homeless men are camping in a green space along Viger Avenue near the Palais des Congres. Dave Sidaway / Montreal Gazette ORG XMIT: XXXXX Photo by Dave Sidaway /Montreal Gazette

The Quebec government pledged Monday to spend about $ 280 million over the next five years to address homelessness.

Much of that money will go towards ensuring that housing of some kind is always available to the province’s homeless population, giving them the option of a permanent roof over their head 12 months out of the year.

Quebec’s Minister of Health and Social Services Lionel Carmant said a change in culture is needed when it comes to dealing with homelessness. He said the priority must be the transition of people from the streets to shelters and even permanent homes.

“The goal of the plan is to work with organizations to provide transportation that takes those arriving from a shelter that is full to one that has space,” he said. “Throughout the year, there will be accommodation available. If a homeless person is ready to take the next step toward independent living, there will be resources to support them. “

The plan comes after two years of consultations and includes 30 measures that, according to Carmant, make it “more condensed” than those that have preceded it. The plan also calls for more attention to be paid to the needs of those who leave youth centers, prisons and rehabilitation facilities.