2023-05-20 16:39:40
Montrealers denounce the growing number of people who have been homeless for at least the past three years.
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A particularly observable situation in the streets of the city center, especially near the Guy-Favreau Complex.
Some reported fighting, shouting and drug use.
Many are concerned regarding their safety and fear walking alone in the area.
“They chose a bad place for it because we are in the international city center where people come to the Palais-des-Congrès, where tourists pass by,” said Jimmy Khaled, a resident of the area.
“It makes a bad image of the city of Montreal,” he concludes.
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“As soon as you go outside, it’s scary,” says Marie-Josée Leblanc, another resident.
“The Palais-des-Congrès brings in an international clientele, I’m ashamed when I pass there and there are beggars. I am ashamed for Montreal,” she adds.
According to Ms. Leblanc, “it would take workers 24 out of 24, but they cannot do it, there is not enough money”.
If the problem is complex, the glaring lack of personnel seems to be at the heart of the concerns.
Edwige Zamy, who has been homeless for 6 years, believes that “we should open up other resources like Guy-Favreau and have the support [sans jugement] stakeholders”.
She adds that each case is unique and should be treated as such.
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“So far this year, we have been able to house 98 people with leases. This means that they have a permanent address and no longer need emergency services. These are people who are followed by workers and that is part of the solutions. Is that enough? No, we need to do more,” said Sam Watts, CEO of Welcome Hall Mission.
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