Montreal invests almost $800K in emergency resources for homeless
Montreal is in the throes of a cold snap and the city has announced an investment of almost $800,000 into measures that will help protect homeless people.
Sonia Bélanger, the president of the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud, which is helping co-ordinate the city's efforts, said that it's important vulnerable people have access not only to shelter, but a range of services.
The city's measures include hiring 20 outreach workers in six resource centres, opening a heated shelter and deploying shuttle bus services.
Emergency accommodations
This winter, Montreal will have 925 emergency accommodations for homeless men, women and youth.
The spots will be divided between different community organizations.
Men's shelters will offer 740 emergency spots, women's shelters will have 110 and youth centres will have 65.
There will also be 12 spots at a shelter for people who are excluded from other centres because of behavioural issues.
The Old Brewery Mission is one of the organizations offering emergency beds, along with other services to help homeless people.
The Mission will help find beds for people at other shelters if they have none available.
"We don't want it to be a possibility to live in a shelter or on the street for a prolonged period of time," spokesperson Émilie Fortier said.
"The ultimate solution is to have access to affordable housing that's dignified and clean," she added.
