The HUTTE in Saint-Jérôme: A Beacon of Hope and a Dash of Humour!
By a rather cheeky observer of community efforts
So, let’s talk about La HUTTE, shall we? Situated in Saint-Jérôme, it has bundled itself up and nestled into the community like a cozy sweater that you just can’t bear to throw away, even if it’s a decade old. La HUTTE has been incredibly proactive in addressing homelessness since it opened its doors in 2022. You could say it’s like that one friend who’s a bit too enthusiastic about solving problems – except, they’re actually making a difference!
Imagine arriving in a place where homelessness is a more common sight than a maple leaf in October. François Savoie, the General Director of La HUTTE, kicked things off with a touch of sadness and a heap of determination. Revamping a community that’s seen better days isn’t just your average Tuesday – it’s like attempting to organize a whole pub quiz but only having one trivia book and three confused friends. But hey, with teamwork, suddenly it feels like you’re in the final round!
The Church of Great Expectations
Initially set up in a church—yes, the holy place where you hope for miracles—La HUTTE was there to help those wandering around like lost puppies. François noted the overwhelming chaos of first-time visitors. Can you imagine walking into what is essentially a humanitarian war room for homelessness? “I came for a prayer, but maybe I’ll volunteer instead?” Not ideal, eh?
“The more helpful our society is, the clearer the understanding is,” says Savoie.
Employer Enthusiasm: Who Knew?
Now here’s the kicker: local employers have started to change their tune. Imagine a reluctant business owner looking at their new hire and thinking, “Wow, do you have a brother called Sébastien? Because I am ALL in for a family reunion!” It turns out La HUTTE’s efforts have not only been about keeping people off the streets, but getting them back into a suit or at least a decent set of clothes!
Warning: Successfully Clean and Ready!
Savoie shares his wisdom on workplace etiquette that rivals any corporate seminar: punctuality, cleanliness, good aroma—it’s like a scented candle approach to getting a job. Brilliant! If only we could set “smell good” as a universal criterion for all relationships. “Hi, can we skip the small talk? You smell like ‘happiness’ today!”
Real Lives, Real Numbers: Breaking it Down
- In the last year, La HUTTE welcomed around 1,000 individuals. Simply incredible!
- The operational statistics read like a triumphant sports score: 84 people experiencing chronic or episodic homelessness were placed in permanent housing. Take that, misunderstanding of homelessness!
- Notably, a staggering 66% of people stayed in transition rooms and were supported towards stable housing. “You mean, we actually help people—who would’ve thought?” is undoubtedly the sentiment at the next La HUTTE board meeting.
- Also, let’s be real: out of all these individuals, the average age is 39 years old, and nearly 28% are women. This isn’t the face of homelessness you typically see paraded on TV. And yet, here they are—trying to manage life like the rest of us. What a plot twist!
Policy, Perspectives, and a Few Snags
Savoie articulates that only 2-3% of their clientele tends to be disruptive, thereby catching all the attention while the majority quietly get on with their lives. It’s like when you post a gorgeous photo from the vacation, and one friend comments on your weird tan line instead of appreciating the sunset. Let’s put the spotlight where it’s needed, shall we?
So folks, as we near the end, La HUTTE isn’t just establishing a safety net; they’re creating a trampoline! The community is bouncing back in leaps and bounds. If they can tackle homelessness with a sense of humor and clever solutions, perhaps we can take a page from their book—one that doesn’t require a “bring your brother to work” day, but definitely allows for a bit of compassion and community spirit.
And remember, in a world where you could be anything, be like La HUTTE: engaging, supportive, and just a tiny bit cheeky!
By France Poirier
La HUTTE has deeply rooted itself in the community framework of Saint-Jérôme for over two years now. As the organization grapples with pressing social issues, one cannot help but wonder about the transformative impact it has cultivated since its inception in this regional hub.
“When we arrived in Saint-Jérôme in 2022, we were struck by the pervasive sadness surrounding homelessness. The atmosphere was heavy with unease. However, among the residents, there was a palpable desire to collaborate and seek solutions,” reflects François Savoie, the general director of The HUT.
According to him, the HUTTE complemented the community’s mobilization efforts significantly. “During our inaugural year, 2022-2023, we began operating out of a church where we encountered many individuals who were chronically homeless. The situation was chaotic, with few available services to assist those willing to transition off the streets,” François Savoie explains, as he is joined by his capable coordinator, Pascal Desrosiers. The community witnessed a significant milestone on October 24, 2023, when the new HUTTE facilities were officially inaugurated in Saint-Jérôme.
“Before we established our presence, a person experiencing homelessness for the first time often faced sheer chaos upon arriving at the church. They were reluctant to seek help. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically; we now observe individuals showing resilience and an eagerness to move forward. We anticipated a decrease in chronic homelessness, noticing a transition toward more situational and episodic homelessness, and that is precisely what we’ve witnessed,” emphasizes the Director General.
“The more helpful our society is, the more welcoming it becomes; the more we engage in meaningful conversations about homelessness, the greater the number of individuals who come into contact with these challenges, leading to clearer understandings,” states François Savoie.
Generous employers
Employers in the region have begun hiring residents from La Hutte, as noted by François Savard. “What is fascinating is that an employer who initially expressed reluctance eventually approached us with the request: ‘Would you have another “Sébastien”? Because I would gladly employ more individuals like him,’” he recounts.
At La HUTTE, the focus is on adequately preparing individuals for their reintegration into the workforce by instilling essential standards of professionalism. “It’s crucial to emphasize the importance of punctuality, personal hygiene, and maintaining a pleasant demeanor. Employees must understand hierarchy and feel empowered to ask questions if something is unclear,” illustrates Mr. Savoie.
“Currently, half of the individuals we support have successfully re-entered the job market, which dramatically shifts the perceptions of those around them. Observing a roommate regain their footing and purchase items creates a ripple effect that motivates others to strive for similar progress. There are instances where more support is needed, particularly concerning mental health or substance use issues, but with patience and dedication, we can foster meaningful change. We assist individuals in identifying the root causes of their homelessness to address these challenges directly,” explains François Savoie.
“Every day at La HUTTE is filled with remarkable stories. While some moments are undoubtedly more challenging, witnessing someone reclaim control over their life is always a profoundly rewarding experience.”
A small percentage which is disturbing
Last year, La HUTTE provided assistance to approximately 1,000 individuals through its services in Saint-Jérôme. “When I present to local law enforcement, I make it clear: ‘You will only encounter 2 to 3% of the population we assist. These are the most vulnerable and often disruptive individuals with whom intervention is necessary. The remaining 97% go unnoticed. Even if they contend with substance use or mental health challenges, they are individuals eager to succeed amidst their ups and downs. The small percentage exhibiting disruptive behavior unfortunately shapes the broader perception of homelessness, but we must also extend our support to these individuals, as they represent a mere minority within the homeless community,” explains François Savoie.
Results from April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024
- HUTTE Saint-Jérôme currently offers 30 transitional emergency accommodation placements, 20 transitional rooms, and 6 dormitory spaces, with plans to increase capacity by an additional 10 places in November.
- La Halte is set to open on November 1st; it has welcomed 37 distinct individuals during six exceptional days of operation, in addition to its normal seasonal offering running from November 1 to March 31, supported by 16 days of operation for the cool stop.
- There have been 71 follow-up home support initiatives aimed at facilitating residential stability (SRA).
- A total of 443 individuals were accommodated through the various services provided by La HUTTE Saint-Jérôme.
- 84 individuals facing chronic or episodic homelessness have transitioned into permanent housing, receiving guidance for their initial settlement, while 66 individuals encountering situational homelessness have been placed into housing or rooms.
- The dedicated workers at La HUTTE conducted 4,248 interventions designed to support individual intervention plans for guests benefiting from the services provided.
- Remarkably, 66% of individuals residing in transitional rooms have been successfully supported in returning to stable housing or secured accommodations.
- Six months post-admission, 28% of the individuals welcomed are women, with an average age of 39 years.
