New Women’s Shelter in Sud-Ouest Faces Funding Uncertainty

The planned establishment of a new women’s shelter in the Sud-Ouest borough of Montreal is at risk due to a significant funding shortfall. The Marie-Claire Kirkland-Casgrain house project has not received the promised financial support from the Quebec government, leaving the future of the initiative uncertain. Johanne Richards, president of the board of directors for the project, described the situation as “jarring,” emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

Richards indicated that the organization has identified a suitable building for conversion into the shelter. Yet, without the necessary funds from Quebec’s housing commission, the purchase remains unfinalized. The commission previously pledged to cover approximately 30 percent of the projected cost, which totals around $8.8 million for both the acquisition and renovation of the facility.

Challenges in Communication and Funding

Richards expressed frustration over the inconsistent communication with the housing commission, stating, “We don’t know if we’re about to receive it. Have they approved it? They haven’t even gotten back. Is there something missing in our files? We don’t know.” The Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services is set to cover the costs associated with the services provided at the shelter, but the initial funding from the housing commission is crucial to moving forward.

In 2021, the Quebec government announced plans to develop 236 temporary housing units for victims of domestic violence, with the Marie-Claire Kirkland-Casgrain house included in this initiative. The shelter aims to accommodate 20 women and their children, addressing a pressing need in Montreal. Richards raised concerns about the implications of delays, asking, “What’s going to happen to these women? What’s going to happen to these children? There’s a serious need in Montreal.”

Government Response and Next Steps

In a statement, Quebec’s housing ministry confirmed that the project is “currently being reviewed.” The ministry noted that there is a financing shortfall and that funding from the federal government has not yet been secured. A spokesperson added that the organization could simultaneously submit its project to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) for consideration; however, this requires that funding from the housing commission be approved first.

Richards emphasized the urgency of their situation, stating, “We found the building and now it’s silence.” The organization faces a deadline of September 4, 2023, to secure the necessary funding to proceed.

For those affected by domestic violence, resources are available, including contacting SOS violence conjugale at 1-800-363-9010. The need for support services such as this shelter remains critical, making the resolution of funding issues a priority for community leaders and advocates alike.