More than 1,600 households in Quebec are currently facing the harsh reality of being without a roof over their heads, according to advocates.
The Quebec Association of Social Housing Organizations (QASHO) released a report on Tuesday, revealing that 1,604 households in the province are experiencing homelessness. This number includes families, individuals, and couples who are unable to secure stable housing.
The report also highlighted the alarming fact that 1,000 of these households are located in the Greater Montreal area, with the remaining 600 spread out across other regions of Quebec.
Advocates are calling for immediate action to address this crisis, stating that the current housing situation in Quebec is unacceptable and inhumane.
“Every person deserves a safe and stable place to call home,” said Maxime Roy-Allard, spokesperson for QASHO. “It is unacceptable that so many households in our province are without a roof over their heads.”
The report also revealed that the majority of these households are facing homelessness due to financial struggles, including low income, job loss, and high housing costs. Many are also dealing with mental health issues and substance abuse, which further exacerbate their housing situation.
Advocates are urging the government to take immediate action to address this crisis, including increasing funding for social housing and implementing policies to make housing more affordable for low-income individuals and families.
They are also calling for a comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness, which includes providing support services such as mental health and addiction treatment, as well as job training and education programs.
“We need a multi-faceted approach to tackling homelessness in Quebec,” said Roy-Allard. “This includes not only providing affordable housing, but also addressing the underlying issues that contribute to homelessness.”
The QASHO report serves as a wake-up call for the government and the public to take action and support those who are experiencing homelessness in Quebec. It is a reminder that everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home, and it is our responsibility as a society to ensure that this basic human need is met for all.
