After nearly 40 days without a shelter, people experiencing homelessness in Montreal’s West Island have a new temporary home at Villa Saint-Martin, thanks to the Ricochet Centre. The centre had to close its previous location due to an expired lease and an unsuccessful search for a new site. Executive Director Tania Charron expressed relief at the new location, which was previously used by the YMCA for Ukrainian refugees and became available in late June.
Despite securing a one-year lease, Villa Saint-Martin is up for sale, meaning Ricochet may need to vacate within 90 days if the property is sold. Charron noted that while the new location offers temporary relief, the organization is exploring other options due to the high renovation costs of a potential future site. The Ricochet Centre is the only shelter between Montreal’s Verdun borough and Vaudreuil-Dorion. During the closure, the organization continued to aid the homeless via a shuttle service for food, mail, and supplies. The new shelter features 12 bedrooms with private bathrooms, a larger kitchen equipped with better facilities, and additional common areas like a computer room and a conference room. This space allows for improved services and a more dignified environment for clients.
Administrative coordinator Mathieu Papineau emphasized that the new shelter aims to provide not just a bed but a supportive environment for social integration. Charron highlighted the challenge of finding suitable shelter locations due to local opposition and misconceptions about homelessness. The Villa Saint-Martin, while temporary, represents a significant step forward in meeting the community’s needs.
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