In Montreal, two individuals experiencing homelessness passed away within a 24-hour period this week. Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada, visibly emotional during a press briefing on Thursday, expressed deep sadness over the deaths. The deceased were identified as two men aged over 60, who died on March 24 and 25 at separate CAP St-Barnabé shelters in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighborhood. Staff at CAP St-Barnabé stated that the deaths were not linked to cold weather or drug overdoses but were due to underlying health issues.
Sam Watts, CEO of Montreal’s Welcome Hall Mission, highlighted that such tragedies are unfortunately common among the homeless community, often unreported. He emphasized that individuals experiencing homelessness are often medically vulnerable, facing not only the stress of homelessness but also significant health challenges.
Watts mentioned that approximately one death per month occurs within organizations aiding the homeless in Montreal. Within his organization alone, which serves hundreds daily, there are typically three to four deaths annually.
In response to the homelessness crisis, Mayor Martinez Ferrada announced a financial allocation of $412,000 to support L’Anonyme, a community organization. The funds will facilitate a four-member team to assist individuals living in encampments on Notre-Dame Street, providing psychosocial support and fostering collaboration between homeless individuals, neighbors, and first responders.
Acknowledging the inadequacy of current efforts, Mayor Martinez Ferrada stressed the need for enhanced initiatives to prevent further loss of life in the city. Julien Montreuil, CEO of L’Anonyme, emphasized that even a single death is one too many.
Sam Watts noted that the recent deaths involved individuals well-known within Montreal’s support network, indicating prolonged homelessness. He underscored the urgency of addressing homelessness effectively to prevent such tragedies and emphasized the importance of swiftly rehousing individuals at risk.
Benoit Langevin, the city’s executive committee member overseeing homelessness matters, also expressed distress over the situation. Quebec’s Minister responsible for social solidarity, Chantal Rouleau, mentioned ongoing efforts at the provincial level to address the issue. The Quebec coroner’s office is conducting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths to potentially provide recommendations.
