Rohit, a student from India who arrived in Quebec in 2019, now enjoys a small private room at Montreal’s Old Brewery Mission, a significant improvement from the crowded dormitory he once shared with up to 30 men. This transformation was part of a recent initiative that divided the shelter into over a dozen private and semi-private rooms, funded by a $1 million donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although the shelter’s capacity was slightly reduced, staff emphasize that providing privacy is essential for the dignity and well-being of clients.
Since the pandemic, homelessness in Montreal has surged, with approximately 10,000 homeless individuals across Quebec, half of whom are in the city. The Old Brewery Mission aims to create a welcoming environment to help clients transition to permanent housing. Many individuals, like Benoît Martin, have found that quieter, more private spaces facilitate their journey toward stability and address personal issues such as addiction.
The initiative reflects a broader shift within the Old Brewery Mission, which is increasingly focusing on long-term housing solutions and support services, enabling clients to devise actionable plans for their futures in a more conducive environment.
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