Guertin Camp: Together Against Homelessness
On November 28, 2023, Jean-Pierre Poulin decides to go to the local café. Instead of buying just one coffee, he buys 8 and heads to the makeshift camp for people experiencing homelessness, located on the outskirts of the Robert-Guertin arena. His world is turned upside down by the encounters he made there. It was the beginning of a great adventure.
“This is not normal in 2024 to sleep in the cold during winter in Quebec. Homelessness is the responsibility of no one, but at the same time, it is the responsibility of everyone.”
– Jean-PieJean-PieJean-Pierre Poulin, President of Devcore
Exceptional mobilization of the private sector
Real estate developers, entrepreneurs, representatives of major food chains, restaurateurs… many have responded positively to the call, and the sum of $350,000 is raised in record time.
To this is added the support of Itinérance Zéro as a fiduciary company, the collaboration of the City of Gatineau (granting of the land and hydro fees), the CISSSO (clinical support to facilitate the admission process for campers), and the support of many community organizations, the formula is complete.
The result: Campement Guertin is designed, financed, and built in just 21 days!
The Guertin Campsite in numbers
- 48 heated tents
- 56 residents
- 1 code of conduct
- Staff present at all times
- 3 heated toilets
- Site surveillance 24/7
- 0 deaths
- 0 fires requiring firefighters’ intervention
- 2 successful interventions to counter overdoses
- 20+ people who obtained a RAMQ card
- 10+ people who filed their taxes
On the way to accountability!
To be able to join the camp, residents agree to sign a code of conduct and to begin steps towards social reintegration.
A bit of comfort and warmth
In each of the 48 heated tents, there is much more than just shelter. It’s a place of comfort, where residents find warmth, intimacy, and security!
In each tent, you’ll find:
- Camp bed with padded cushion
- Sleeping bag
- Heater
- Electric blanket
- Chair
- Extension cord
- Light
- Storage bin
A 24 heures sur 24 accompagnement !
There are staff available on site at all times, providing personalized services such as assistance with obtaining official documents. The staff also offer psychosocial support, providing support, information, and directing inquiries to the appropriate resources.
The butterfly effect
Le capability de se reposer et dormir dans la chaleur et en sécurité a eu des effets positifs sur les organismes communautaires voisins. La Soupe populaire avait été contrainte de réduire ses services en raison de l’augmentation de la violence. Cependant, depuis l’introduction de tentes chauffées, la situation a changé.
” There is a big difference. There is not as much pressure as before.”
– Michel Kasongo, General Manager of the Soupe populaire
And after May 15th?
After the success of Phase 1, which allowed more than 50 people to spend the winter in secure conditions and which ends on May 15, 2024, Devcore and its partners are now focusing on the creation of Phase 2, called the Transition Space.
Phase 2 of Camp Guertin ensures a transition to a semi-permanent, secure approach for homeless individuals over 2 to 5 years. This new space will include modified containers to provide affordable housing for over a hundred people while fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Beyond providing shelter, the Transition Space will be designed to encourage socialization, collective cooking, and even gardening in a community garden. The idea is to offer residents not only shelter but also opportunities to actively participate to the daily life and social aspects of the community.
Overview of media coverage
First of its kind, this initiative has made waves across Canada, inspiring other cities to do the same in the upcoming winter season.
- Le Droit
- TVA Nouvelles
- https://tvagatineau.ca/tva-18h-23-janvier-2024/ (Starts at 24 minutes and 17 seconds)
- Heated tents set up in a temporary camp in Gatineau
- Nouvelles 104,7
- CTV News
- Radio-Canada
- Bulletin d’Aylmer
- 24h
Intervention as a panelist
The ability to rest and sleep in warmth and safety has resulted in positive impacts for the surrounding community organizations. The Soup Kitchen had to restrict its services to cope with a rise in violence. But since the arrival of heated tents, the situation has changed.
Project documentation
- Street Outreach Workers for the City of Ottawa
- University of Ottawa (student)
- CISSSO – Scientific Director of Research
- United Way
- Montreal’s Itinéraire Journal
Thank you to all our partners!
Thank you to all our contributors!
