New transitional housing resource opens in Montreal

On the occasion of this announcement, the Minister responsible for Social Solidarity and Community Action and Minister responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region, Chantal Rouleau, and the Member for Anjou–Louis-Riel and Government Assistant to the Minister responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region, Karine Boivin Roy, joined the Minister of Health in highlighting the importance of this new resource in meeting the needs of homeless people with mental health issues in the heart of the metropolis.

PRISM Nord provides access to a structured living environment and tailored services to ensure psychiatric care, nursing care, and psychosocial services for a vulnerable population. The resource has 12 mixed places for people referred by the health and social services network or community organizations. This support aims to facilitate the transition to stable housing and a genuine path to recovery for this vulnerable clientele. This project will receive additional recurring funding of $500,000 starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year, ensuring the sustainability of the resource and the continuity of services offered to residents.

This innovative project was made possible thanks to the collaboration of the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, the Old Brewery Mission, and the organization L'Espace la Traversée, the latter providing the premises necessary for the project's implementation. The expertise of the community and the network is highlighted and complementary.

Quotes:

"I firmly believe that by joining forces and investing in innovative solutions such as this one, we can offer hope to those who need it most. I welcome the rollout of this initiative, which illustrates the commitment of all partners to combating homelessness, both in the metropolitan area and across Quebec. I would like to extend my warmest thanks to all the teams involved."

Sonia Bélanger, Minister of Health, Minister Responsible for Seniors and Caregivers, Minister Responsible for Social Services, and Minister Responsible for the Laurentides Region

"Every new resource counts. No action to combat homelessness is too small: it is by adding them up, concretely in the field, that we change the course of people's lives. With PRISM Nord, we are adding an essential link between the street, care, and housing. This mobilization between the health network, the community sector, and local partners shows that, in the metropolis, we are moving forward together toward more humane, structured, and sustainable solutions for the most vulnerable people."

Chantal Rouleau, Minister Responsible for Social Solidarity and Community Action and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region

"As Member of Parliament for Anjou–Louis-Riel and government assistant to the Minister responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal region, I am delighted to see the emergence of a resource such as PRISM Nord in our territory, which provides a concrete response to the complex realities of homelessness and mental health issues. Providing a stable, safe, and supportive environment gives the most vulnerable people a real chance to recover and look forward to a brighter future. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to acting with humanity, rigor, and collaboration to strengthen the social safety net in the metropolis. "

Karine Boivin Roy, Member of Parliament for Anjou–Louis-Riel and Government Assistant to the Minister responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region

Highlights:

• PRISM (Projet de réaffiliation en itinérance et santé mentale) is a transitional housing program developed to promote access to services for homeless people living with serious mental health issues. Housing is provided for an average of three months.

• The PRISM model is already in place in Montreal, Quebec City, and Sherbrooke, notably as part of several initiatives led by recognized community organizations such as the Old Brewery Mission, Le Chaînon, Le Bon Accueil, and other partners, contributing to a diverse range of services tailored to the needs of different clienteles.

• Studies indicate that between 63% and 81% of individuals are still in housing one year after completing the program. This residential stability is also accompanied by improvements in quality of life.

• This initiative is part of the 2022-2026 Interdepartmental Action Plan on Mental Health (PAISM) and the 2021-2026 Interdepartmental Action Plan on Homelessness, which aim to provide personalized support, regular psychiatric assessments, and nursing care to people experiencing homelessness and mental health issues.