In a significant move to combat homelessness, the Quebec government has announced a substantial funding boost for the southern Laurentians region. The Ministers responsible for Social Services and Finance, Lionel Carmant and Eric Girard, respectively, have disclosed an allocation of $1,760,577 to the Laurentides Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS). This initiative aims to enhance support for individuals facing homelessness or at risk of it.
Key Aspects of the Funding:
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Development of Emergency and Transitional Accommodation: A critical part of the funding is the establishment of a 12-bed emergency and transitional accommodation facility. This will include a permanent 24/7 reception, a day center, and access to essential services for those in need in the southern Laurentians. The project will be executed in partnership with local entities, notably Le Resto Pop de Thérèse-de Blainville, within the City of Sainte-Thérèse.
Broader Commitment to Tackling Homelessness:
This funding is part of a larger commitment by Minister Carmant, as announced at the Union of Municipalities of Quebec (UMQ) congress. An additional $15.5 million, on top of the $4.5 million allocated in the 2023-2024 budget, will be used to address immediate homelessness challenges across Quebec.
Lionel Carmant (Minister responsible for Social Services), emphasized the urgency of this investment as winter approaches, highlighting the plan’s diverse housing and accommodation models to cater to the multifaceted needs of the homeless. The goal is to implement these solutions across all regions, especially in the Laurentians. Eric Girard (Minister of Finance and MP for Groulx) stressed the significance of this funding for Sainte-Thérèse and the southern Laurentians, enhancing service access for the area’s vulnerable populations. Finally Benoit Charette (Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for the Laurentides region), acknowledged the importance of strengthening emergency accommodation in the southern Laurentides, particularly with winter looming.
Implications for Vulnerable Populations:
These services provide a secure environment for vulnerable individuals, fostering connections with workers and promoting access to psychosocial support services. This initiative is a part of the broader Interministerial Action Plan on Homelessness 2021-2026 – Allying up against homelessness, launched in October 2021. The plan outlines concrete measures to offer support services that genuinely meet the needs of those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, focusing particularly on housing solutions.
