Hundreds of people marched through the streets of Montreal on Friday to show their solidarity with people experiencing homelessness on the occasion of the 34e edition of Homeless Night.
At the invitation of organizations in the metropolis, the demonstrators met at Square Phillips, rue Sainte-Catherine, and marched to Place Émilie-Gamelin carried by the sound of Afro-Brazilian percussions from Zuruba School.
Many organizations working in the community sector were present to demand that decision-makers take the situation head on. “There is a lack of resources and the homeless population is on the rise,” noted Jerry Nadon, psychosocial worker at the organization PAS de la rue. “The figures speak for themselves: the funds are not enough. » Which is why, he believes, “we need this night more than ever”.
Therapist at Maison Marguerite, whose mission is to welcome women in precarious situations, Christie Thompson also agrees. “It’s more and more important [d’être ici] in the context of a situation that is not improving. »
Sprawling issue
Manon Massé, co-spokesperson for Québec solidaire, was at the march. “We have fellow citizens who live on the streets, and I believe it is important to tell them: “I recognize that you are full citizens and that the State must do more to help you.” »
She also estimated that the homelessness crisis facing Quebec – the number of homeless people has jumped 44% in recent years, according to the most recent count – had many faces. “The homelessness crisis is the cost of living crisis and the housing crisis, to which is added an opioid crisis,” she noted. This is what we must act on. »
In the evening, activities to raise awareness of the reality of people experiencing homelessness were to take place, including discussions on the prevention of youth homelessness and sex work.
Across Quebec, no less than fifty cities participated in Homeless Night on Friday, in a context where homelessness tends to become regionalized, according to the conclusions of the count.