To honor their commitment to build 500 housing units reserved for people experiencing homelessness, the governments of Canada and Quebec have selected 22 housing projects across Quebec that will be carried out as part of the Quebec Affordable Housing Program (PHAQ ) from the Société. d’habitation du Québec (SHQ).
This was announced by the Minister of Public Services and Supply and Lieutenant of Quebec, the Honorable Jean-Yves-Duclos, and the Minister responsible for Housing, Ms. France-Élaine Duranceau, during a speech delivered during the 4th States General. of Homeless People in Quebec, which ended today in Quebec. Ms Chantale Jeannotte, parliamentary assistant to the Minister responsible for Housing and Member of Parliament for Labelle, also spoke.
Among the 22 projects selected, Minister Duranceau highlighted, among other things, the upcoming construction, in Quebec, of a 23-room building for people at risk of homelessness or suffer residential instability, a project of the John Howard Association in Quebec.
Government funding for this project and the 21 others that will be announced soon will come from the $900 million from the federal government that was paid to Quebec through the Canada-Québec Agreement regarding the Fund to Build Accelerate Housing (FACL) and $900 million announced by Quebec during its economic renewal fall 2023.
These combined amounts have so far made it possible, in just one year, to build on 8,000 social and affordable housing units, including 500 reserved for people who are homeless or in risk of homelessness.
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“All Quebecers deserve a safe and affordable home. The Government of Canada is proud to be involved in the creation of 500 new affordable housing units for the most vulnerable through the Canada-Québec Agreement regarding the Fund to Accelerate Housing Construction. This demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind. »
“These general statements show us clearly that the problem of homelessness is a cause for concern and requires a global response. In terms of housing, today we are taking another step to increase provision for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. We want to help them on their way and give them a better quality of life. It is now important to deliver these accommodation quickly so that they are available as soon as possible. »
“The federal government will always redouble its efforts to ensure that everyone in Quebec and across Canada has a safe and stable home. Thanks to the Canada-Québec Agreement on the Fund to Accelerate Housing Construction and cooperation from all levels of government and their partners, we are quickly providing new affordable housing to the people who are most in need needed across the country. »
“The 22 projects selected will provide shelter to people who are homeless. This is another tough move to help these vulnerable people get off the streets and regain their dignity. Homelessness is present everywhere in Quebec and the needs are increasing. We must reverse the trend. We must continue to come together and work together, especially on the issue of access to housing. »
“Preventing and reducing homelessness means recognizing that situations are complicated. It is about accommodation facilities, security, support, social support, living together in the city and in rural areas. To achieve results in all these areas, as well as better results, there is nothing better than working together, as we all want to do. »
Highlights:
- Families who settle in these accommodations will have the opportunity to benefit from the SHQ Quebec rental subsidy program, which allows them to pay 25% of their income for housing. This additional support is accepted 90% by the SHQ and 10% by the town that maintains these accommodations.
- The goal of the PHAQ is all partners who can establish affordable housing projects. Those who can submit projects are cooperatives, non-profit organizations, housing offices and private sector companies. The PHAQ also aims to accelerate the construction of houses, which is why its standards provide that projects must be started within 12 months of their selection, a period that lasts up to 18 months in certain circumstances.
- In his economic update on November 21, the Quebec government has planned $208 million to promote access to housing :
- $184 million over 4 years will be introduced to accelerate the construction of new homes, with half of it coming from the Government of Canada;
- $17.8 million over 4 years will make it possible to allocate 500 new units from the Quebec Rental Improvement Program to young people leaving the youth protection system;
- $6.2 million over 4 years will increase the intervention capacity of the Administrative Housing Tribunal.
- Launched in March 2023, the FACL is a $4 billion initiative from the Government of Canada, which was increased during the 2024 budget with an envelope of $400 million, and aims to accelerate the construction of 112,000 housing units.
- By combining investments from Quebec and Canada, nearly $2 billion has been planned over the past year to accelerate housing construction in Quebec.
About the Société d’habitation du Québec:
In reference to housing, the mission of the SHQ is to meet the housing needs of Quebec citizens through its knowledge and services to citizens. To do this, it offers affordable or low-rent housing and offers a range of assistance programs promoting residential construction and renovation, home conversion and home ownership.
To learn more about his activities, visit him www.habitation.gouv.qc.ca.
We continued: Facebook, X etc LinkedIn.
Visit the site canada.ca/logement for the most requested housing information by the Government of Canada.
CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and the financial system, supports Canadians in need and provides impartial research and advice to all levels of government, consumers and the sector insurance in the country. CMHC aims to ensure that everyone in Canada has access to housing that meets their needs. To find out more, read on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn etc Facebook.
Sources:
Justine Vezina
Press Secretary to the Minister responsible for Housing
[email protected]
Sofia Ouslis
Office of the Minister for Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
[email protected]
Information about this press release:
Media Relations
Quebec Housing Agency
[email protected]
Media Relations
Canada Mortgage and Housing Company
[email protected]
2024-11-29 18:10:00
#homes #homeless #people #built
## expert Interview: A Ray of Hope for Quebec’s Homeless Population
**Guest:** Dr. Suzanne Dubois, Professor of Social Housing adn Urban Policy, McGill university
**Introduction:**
Today, we have the pleasure of speaking wiht Dr. Suzanne Dubois, esteemed Professor of Social Housing and Urban Policy at mcgill University, to gain deeper insight into Quebec’s recent declaration regarding the construction of 500 housing units dedicated to people experiencing homelessness. This initiative, a partnership between the federal and provincial governments, represents a notable step forward in addressing a critical societal issue.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Dubois, thank you for joining us today. Can you provide us with your initial thoughts on this initiative and its potential impact on Quebec’s homeless population?
**Dr.dubois:** This is certainly a welcome advancement. Tackling homelessness requires a multi-faceted approach, and dedicated affordable housing is a crucial component. The commitment from both the federal and provincial governments to fund the construction of 500 units sends a strong message that addressing this issue is a priority. It’s also encouraging to see a focus on quick delivery,as thes shelters are urgently needed.
**Interviewer:** The program aims to accelerate the construction process. What are the potential challenges in achieving this goal, and what measures can be put in place to ensure its successful implementation?
**Dr. Dubois:** Timely execution is vital, but it’s crucial to balance speed with quality and sustainability. Challenges might include securing suitable land within urban centres, navigating zoning regulations, and ensuring the projects are appropriately integrated into existing communities. Close collaboration between government agencies,developers,and community organizations will be essential for efficient planning and execution.
**Interviewer:** The announcement mentions that these housing units will offer rental subsidy programs.How significant is this element in ensuring long-term stability for those experiencing homelessness?
**Dr. Dubois:**
Rental subsidies are absolutely critical.Housing affordability is a major barrier to escaping homelessness.
Providing rental assistance allows individuals and families to allocate more of their income towards essential needs like food, healthcare, and education, leading to greater financial stability and an improved overall quality of life.
**interviewer:** The initiative aims to leverage partnerships with cooperatives, non-profit organizations, and private sector companies. What advantages dose this collaborative approach offer?
**Dr. Dubois:** This multi-sectoral approach brings diverse expertise and resources to the table.
Non-profits often possess valuable experience in addressing the specific needs of vulnerable populations, cooperatives can offer community-driven solutions, and private sector participation can contribute to financial innovation and construction efficiency.
this collective effort can lead to more sustainable and impactful solutions.
**Interviewer:** What additional steps do you believe are needed to effectively address the root causes of homelessness in Quebec and ensure that this initiative has a lasting impact?
**Dr. Dubois:** While providing housing is essential, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Addressing the underlying factors contributing to homelessness, such as poverty, mental health issues, and addiction, requires targeted investments in social services, employment opportunities, and healthcare.
Continued collaboration between government agencies, community organizations, and researchers is crucial for developing comprehensive and evidence-based solutions.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Dubois, what message would you like to convey to the general public regarding the importance of supporting initiatives like this one?
**Dr. Dubois:** Housing is a essential human right. Everyone deserves a safe and secure place to call home. Supporting initiatives like this one demonstrates our commitment to creating a more just and equitable society for all. By investing in affordable housing and providing wraparound support services, we can empower individuals experiencing homelessness to rebuild their lives and contribute to our communities.
**Conclusion:** Dr. Dubois’s insights shed valuable light on the significance of Quebec’s housing initiative and the importance of a multi-pronged approach to tackling homelessness. By working collaboratively,combining resources,and prioritizing long-term solutions,we can create a society where everyone has access to the basic human right of safe and affordable housing.
