Nearly 2,000 households in need of new home as Quebec’s moving day nears

As moving day in Quebec quickly approaches, more than 2,000 households are still struggling to find housing, according to the province’s housing corporation. This number is 320 higher than at the same time last year, indicating a growing housing crisis in the province.

Advocacy groups are bracing themselves for an influx of emergency calls as more people face evictions and rent increases that are simply unaffordable. Lyn O’Donnell from the Citizen Action Committee of Verdun noted that many families are not only dealing with eviction but also with significant rent hikes that they cannot manage.

In Montreal alone, around 270 households have sought help from the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ). However, advocates believe that this number is just the tip of the iceberg, as there are many cases of “invisible homelessness” that go unreported, including families with children.

The city of Montreal has resources available for those in need, and individuals can reach out by calling 311. Spokesperson Philippe Sabourin reassured residents that there are enough resources and budget to assist in finding new accommodations, offering temporary housing solutions, and even storage if needed.

While there are programs like rent supplements available through the SHQ, housing advocates emphasize that these resources are insufficient. O’Donnell pointed out that housing is scarce, and the eligibility criteria for assistance are restrictive, leaving many struggling to find long-term solutions.

The scarcity of affordable housing in Quebec is a significant factor contributing to the increasing number of households in search of a home. The SHQ reported that out of the nearly 2,000 households at risk of homelessness, 473 are already in temporary accommodations, such as with family or friends or in hotels.

The situation varies across the province, with different regions offering different levels of rehousing assistance. Not all municipalities provide the same level of support as Montreal, where temporary accommodations, moving assistance, and storage options are available.

Although the housing vacancy rate in Quebec has increased slightly, affordability remains a major issue, especially in cities like Montreal. The rising cost of rent, particularly for two-bedroom apartments, has made it increasingly challenging for residents to secure suitable housing.

To address the affordability crisis, advocacy group FRAPRU is calling for the construction of at least 10,000 new social housing units per year to double the number of units in the rental stock within 15 years. While the government has a national housing strategy in place, there is currently no specific target for social housing, leaving many tenants vulnerable to rent increases and housing insecurity.

As the housing situation in Quebec continues to worsen, it is crucial for policymakers to prioritize affordable housing solutions to ensure that all residents have access to safe and stable homes.