AN INNOVATIVE SOLUTION TO THE HOMELESSNESS CRISIS IN GATINEAU
GATINEAU, May 30, 2024 – This morning, the Devcore group unveiled the proposed plans for the future Village Transition, a temporary and transitional solution for 2 to 5 years to help counter the homelessness crisis. This village, composed of new transformed shipping containers, would be erected in the parking lot adjacent to Centre Robert-Guertin in Gatineau. It is the first initiative of its kind in Quebec and the first of this scale in Canada.
This second phase builds on the success of Phase 1, the emergency initiative of 48 heated tents led by local entrepreneurs last winter for people experiencing homelessness. This experience demonstrated the significant benefits of an organized and structured camp.
Under this proposal, the City of Gatineau is expected to lend the land for the Village Transition free of charge and contribute to the necessary infrastructure. The non-profit organization (NPO) Transition Québec will manage the Village. Both parties are currently negotiating the terms of the public domain occupancy agreement, which will serve as the premise for a more formal agreement binding them for 30 to 60 months.
The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO), which welcomes the addition of Transition Québec in the community’s efforts to fight homelessness, is also evaluating ways to support this innovative project.
Quick Facts
- The Village Transition is composed of about 60 containers and can accommodate up to 100 people, nearly half of the homeless community in the targeted area.
- The exterior amenities include several shared spaces. These meeting places allow residents to gather and interact, reducing social isolation and strengthening the sense of belonging. They include:
- A community garden and an annual greenhouse
- A dog park
- A bike repair shop
- An arts and culture space
- Storage spaces
- The operational amenities include a sanitary block (showers, toilets, laundry) and an intervention center offering permanent psychosocial support. Additionally, two large communal kitchens will be set up, allowing people to cook alone or in groups.
- The exterior amenities include several shared spaces. These meeting places allow residents to gather and interact, reducing social isolation and strengthening the sense of belonging. They include:
- The housing units are offered in two formats:
- The room (100 square feet) includes a single bed, a sink, a toilet, a counter, a mini-fridge, and storage space.
- The studio (150 square feet) includes a double bed, a full kitchen, a full bathroom, and a terrace.
- Both formats offer high-speed internet, heating, and air conditioning.
- The construction cost of Village Transition is estimated between $4 and $5 million. The real estate assets (the containers) will be owned by regional shareholders (businesspeople, organizations, foundations, etc.). These shareholders will have the opportunity to buy shares or contribute through a guaranteed return loan.
- Future residents will need to adhere to a code of conduct and show an interest in starting the process toward citizenship. A modest rent will be calculated based on the person’s income. The type of unit occupied and the level of involvement on the site will also be factors considered.
- In the Outaouais region, the situation is alarming. According to the latest count conducted by the Quebec government, there has been a 268% increase in people experiencing homelessness since 2018.
- According to a report by the Union of Quebec Municipalities, the annual cost for a person experiencing homelessness is $72,521. This includes health services, police interventions, social services, and other expenses.
Citations
“Village Transition is a wonderful example of collaboration between municipal, private, and public spheres. Each entity brings its unique strengths for the common good, and it is this synergy that makes this project so special. Village Transition is the logical continuation of the Guertin Camp, the first phase that protected 50 people from the elements this winter. With the Village, we are helping 100 people. Ultimately, the Village Transition model could be replicated across major Canadian cities facing this problem, ensuring no one sleeps outside this Christmas.”
Jean-Pierre Poulin, founding president of Devcore
“This innovative project has the potential to reduce pressure on the service continuum, offering a quick, durable, and effective solution to support our most vulnerable citizens. Creating a safe, structured, and adapted environment to the needs of this population is essential to promote rehabilitation and social integration. This innovative project demonstrates the real potential for collaboration between various community stakeholders to support the most vulnerable people.”
Jeneviève Caron, Deputy Director of the Mental Health and Addiction Programs Directorate, CISSSO
“Village Transition will create a living space adapted to the needs of people experiencing homelessness. Residents will receive respectful and adapted psychosocial support at their own pace, without compromising their dignity.”
Nancy Martineau, Director of Humanitarian Projects, Devcore Group
About Devcore Group
With 20 years of experience, Devcore is a major player in the development, construction, and management of nearly $500 million in real estate assets in Quebec and Ontario. The company’s mission is to offer the most innovative real estate product in secondary markets by integrating new technologies and applications for optimal customer satisfaction. Devcore has also distinguished itself in recent years by its commitment to humanitarian causes, particularly immigration and homelessness.
About Transition Québec
Transition Québec is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the living conditions of vulnerable people. Its mission is to support adults in need of housing with psychosocial support. Transition Québec offers support, psychosocial services, and housing, while promoting the rights and autonomy of the housed individuals. Additionally, Transition Québec positions itself as a training school for other cities and provinces wishing to replicate this solution, sharing its expertise to effectively combat homelessness.
Source :
Sylvie Carbonneau
Senior Director, Communications and Strategic Initiatives, Groupe Devcore
scarbonneau@devcore.ca
819 576-2029