2023-11-02 00:05:40
The move of the Chicoutimi homeless shelter will not have solved everything in the city center. Traders are once once more denouncing the problems linked to the presence of homeless people.
Capture taken from TVA Nouvelles
At the Subway on Racine Street, problematic situations are multiplying. The citizen’s square has become a gathering point.
“We are opposite the citizen’s place, it’s really difficult compared to the staff. We need to put homeless people out. There is verbal, physical, but also sexual violence. Employees aged 16, for example, I can no longer keep them. They are too afraid,” confirmed Karine Bouchard, Subway Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean supervisor.
Capture taken from TVA Nouvelles
At the croissant café, homeless people also frequent the place. “We may have a 5% with a mental health problem, but the rest of them behave well,” explained the owner, Annie Guillemette.
Despite the efforts made by the various authorities, the problem persists. Misconduct is not the only problem. The facilities are also broken. “We have a beautiful terrace in the summer, we have had broken tables, tables in the street,” said Ms. Bouchard.
Some employees also decide to quit out of fear. “I have had two resignations in the last month once more. Our priority is to protect our employees. Currently, we are not capable of doing so,” said the supervisor.
Capture taken from TVA Nouvelles
She wishes more resources were available. “It’s a minority that creates problems. Not all homeless people do this. They need help, resources. We need to find a long-term solution,” she explained.
Traders are also hoping for more oversight in the sector.
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