After finding themselves homeless in 2021, two Montrealers were able to once again experience the warmth of a home of their own, with the help of a rehousing program from Mission Bon Accueil. Getting off the streets allowed them to dream of a New Year filled with promise. A burst of hope for 2022, in the heart of the metropolis.
Kristen Kifindi is 30 years old. She found herself on the street when her ex-fiancé kicked her out in the spring, she confided during a meeting at the premises of Mission Bon Accueil, an organization that helps Montrealers in situation. precariousness or homelessness.
She did not manage to find accommodation, being refused after refusal from the owners.
She explains that although she had the money to pay her rent, she had no reference from a previous landlord to offer them – she had lived with her boyfriend for several years and their accommodation was in his name. She also didn’t have a credit card, which would have helped her build a record showing that she was meeting her financial obligations.
“I picked up in the street,” said the petite young woman, dressed neatly, her face framed in little black and purple braids.
Life has become for her a succession of shelters or makeshift beds lent by friends. Sometimes, “I would walk outside all night to pass the time.”
2021 is the year she “had to ask for help.”
“My ego took a hit. I cried all the time. I was scared. I never want to feel that again. “
After living for three months in a slightly more permanent shelter for the homeless, at the Le Royer pavilion of the former Hôtel-Dieu hospital in Montreal, she was able, with the help of the Welcome program of Mission Bon Accueil, to rent a small apartment. . Far from downtown, but “really cute,” she says.
Welcome initiative is a pilot project launched in 2021 and designed to help people experiencing homelessness find a permanent home.
“The Mission saved my life”
Roger Gobeil also found himself homeless in 2021.
The 63-year-old said he was evicted from his social housing in April, after setting up a tenants’ association to help others.
“I’m a proud guy and there I was burnt. In great social distress. “
With his backpack for only luggage, he ended up in the street. He slept at night with friends and spent his days at Place Émilie-Gamelin, in the city center. Because many community organizations “who care about others” are there, he explains.
One day, he was sitting at a picnic table in this park when he was approached by two young people: “I thought they were Jehovah’s Witnesses! Exclaimed the man with the radio voice.
I’m a proud guy and there I was burnt. In great social distress.
But they started talking about Mission Bon Accueil and a rehousing project. Mr. Gobeil was convinced by their “sincerity and determination”. And he let them help him. “The Mission saved my life,” he says, his throat tight.
Formerly very active and with a good job, health problems have plagued Mr. Gobeil, who has been unable to work for years. He also lost his driver’s license, which was necessary for his livelihood, as he developed a form of epilepsy. “A very difficult period,” he recounts, looking away, behind his elegant glasses.
As he suffers from severe emphysema and moves with difficulty – “every step is counted,” he says – traveling around town looking for new accommodation was an insurmountable mountain. The Mission workers helped him to visit apartments and he signed the lease for a small studio, very close to this park he loves so much.
Mr. Gobeil enthusiastically displays photos of his “clean, safe and close to everything” little home on his cell phone.
“Now I am a happy man. “
welcome home
Accommodation in the Bienvenue program are privately owned and not free: their new tenants pay for them out of their own pocket, but also receive a boost in the form of short-term rent supplement, furniture and a first grocery ordering. The beneficiaries also have the support of an intervention worker.
M’s journeyme Kifindi clearly shows the different levels of assistance: the temporary emergency shelter, the Hôtel-Dieu accommodation center and then permanent accommodation.
This helps break the cycle of homelessness, argues Samuel Watts, President and CEO of Mission Bon Accueil.
While emergency aid is still needed – “it saves lives” – long-term solutions must be found so that homeless people have a real way out and can access housing, he insists. he.
Mission Bon Accueil offers several services: meals, a market allowing low-income Montrealers to buy healthy groceries, academic support and legal aid for families struggling against poverty, language courses, and much more. There are various places to house those in need, from emergency shelters to relocation programs.
Gone are the constant anguish of being in the street and looking for a place to spend the night: having an apartment has changed everything for Kristen Kifindi. “It’s like a heavy weight has come off my shoulders. “
Now the young woman with the laughing eyes is feeling good. While just a few months ago she felt like she was going nowhere and unable to make plans, now words are rapidly springing from her mouth, including these: visualize, plan and plan. future. She continues to budget on a tight budget – a condition of the assistance program -, gets her DEP in administration, has a job and talks about quitting smoking and getting her driver’s license.
It’s like a heavy weight has come off my shoulders
“2022, it will be on the boat! She exclaims spontaneously. “I may not go to the restaurant, but I will sleep warm. “
Her New Year’s wishes immediately turn to others. She dreams of peace, kindness and understanding of others.
Why ? There haven’t been a lot of positives in 2021, she says, pointing to too many homicides and femicides.
Without hesitation, Roger Gobeil wishes us a greener and healthier planet, he who has his own damaged. He also talks about the importance of friendship.
Feeling safe and surrounded by those who have helped him, he believes that the year 2022 will be smoother: “Today, I see things more positively. I see love rather than hate and resentment. “