Housing crisis: a priest voluntarily returns to the street

A former homeless person who became a priest, who made helping the most deprived his vocation, has just voluntarily returned to the streets in order to denounce the lack of action by governments to alleviate the housing crisis.

“There are so many families in need, who are one foot away from falling into the streets… When I hear children crying from hunger because their mothers have to choose between rent and food, it touches me so much », Says Father Claude Paradis, in front of his tent pitched in downtown Montreal.

Wearing a big winter coat over his Roman collar, the priest was ready to face the humid nights, alone, as a “silent demonstration” in support of families struggling to find housing.

For Father Paradis, it is therefore essential “to awaken the conscience of governments and the mayor [Valérie Plante]» faced with the face of poverty which has changed a lot according to him.

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This is because before becoming a religious, the abbot was a drug addict. He knew the street. And even after he was ordained a priest, he remained close to homeless people, providing support whenever he could.

• Father Claude Paradis was interviewed with Benoit Dutrizac via QUB :

“Every day, I receive calls from families in need or in precarious situations,” said the man who founded the Notre-Dame de la rue organization, to collect donations which he redistributes.

But out of solidarity, he decided to go even further by voluntarily putting himself in a situation of homelessness, while fasting. His first night, on the grounds of Marie-Reine-du-Monde Cathedral next to Place Bonaventure, reminded him of the difficulty of living on the street.

“I was on the lookout for every little noise, for people passing by,” he explains, recalling that living on the street entails security risks, particularly due to the mental health problems that often develop. among vulnerable people.

Devotion

But even if he could very well continue to officiate in a warm place and sleep in a good bed, Father Paradis does not intend to give up, and says he is ready to stay there for several weeks. In 24 hours, he had collected a few tickets, with which he plans to distribute food to the homeless.

“Mr. the abbot is courageous to act in this way to highlight a situation which is only getting worse,” commented Fiona Crossling, general director of Accueil Bonneau, an organization fighting against homelessness.

She also notes that “more and more vulnerable people” are asking for help from the organization dedicated to the fight against homelessness, affirming that the construction of housing is essential.

According to data from the Popular Action Front in Urban Redevelopment (FRAPRU), 10% of households that rent in Montreal spend more than half of their income on rent. And while a good number of them are eligible for low-rent housing, the average waiting time is five years.

“The housing vacancy rate is low, rents are rising rapidly… Many people are a month away from finding themselves on the street,” explains Véronique Laflamme, spokesperson for FRAPRU.

“I want people to understand the extent of the phenomenon,” concluded Father Paradis, before going to warm up in his small tent, equipped with a simple mattress, before preparing to recite a prayer .