Sorel-Tracy is experiencing a dramatic rise in homelessness, with the local shelter at full capacity daily. Over the past three years, the homeless population has increased fivefold, prompting concerns from community leaders. Many individuals, despite being employed, struggle to find affordable housing due to soaring rents. The municipality is seeking provincial support for sustainable solutions, emphasizing the need for social housing investments to address the crisis effectively.
Rising Homelessness in Sorel-Tracy: A Growing Concern
In the quaint city of Sorel-Tracy, located in Montérégie, the homeless population has surged by an astonishing five times over the past three years. La Porte du Passant, the only shelter available in the city, is operating at full capacity every single day. This alarming trend underscores a significant rise in homelessness, even in smaller communities.
“Over the last six months, we’ve assisted 136 different individuals seeking shelter,” shares Marie Josée Averill, the executive director of La Porte du Passant. This stark statistic highlights the growing challenges faced by the local community.
Mayor Patrick Péloquin remarks, “For a city with a population of 36,000, this increase is monumental and unprecedented.” The situation is dire, as the community grapples with the implications of this rising crisis.
Challenges Faced by the Local Population
Sébastien Landry, who has utilized the shelter since November, expresses his gratitude, stating, “Without this shelter, I would likely resort to desperate measures to survive.” His story reflects a broader trend of homelessness that has become more pronounced in Sorel-Tracy since the pandemic began, with numerous social workers noting a worsening situation.
Quebec as a whole is facing a severe crisis, with the homeless population increasing by 44% between 2018 and 2022, according to the National Institute of Public Health. More alarmingly, in Montérégie, the rate of homelessness has escalated three times faster than in Montreal during the same timeframe.
As the shelter director points out, “Many of our guests are employed yet unable to secure affordable housing.” The skyrocketing rental prices are a significant factor; Sébastien recalls, “In the past, we could rent a 5 and a half for $600, but now it’s $1400.” This dramatic increase is a symptom of a broader housing crisis that has severe implications for mental health and well-being, as noted by Alexandrine Boisvert, clinical supervisor at La Porte du Passant.
With only 13 beds and 40 chairs available for those seeking warmth, the shelter’s resources are stretched thin. “We are technically overflowing, but we refuse to turn anyone away to sleep outside,” assures Marie Josée Averill, emphasizing the urgency of increased funding to meet community needs.
Among those seeking refuge is Pierre Gagné, who returned to his hometown after experiencing homelessness in Montreal. “This shelter is a beacon of hope, offering support, compassion, and a sense of community,” he reflects.
Residents are witnessing the emergence of makeshift camps, notably around the library, where a small group has taken up residence. Charles Tellier, a lifelong Sorel-Tracy resident, expresses concern: “It pains me to see them outside in winter; they are human beings deserving of care and compassion.”
Addressing the Homelessness Crisis Together
For sustainable solutions, the municipality is reaching out for support from the provincial government, which oversees health and social services. Mayor Péloquin highlights the financial burden of homelessness, noting, “The Union of Municipalities of Quebec estimates that it costs approximately $72,000 per homeless individual.” He advocates for investment in social housing as a more effective long-term strategy than merely increasing short-term resources.