A brand new venture offering transitional housing in transformed delivery containers in Gatineau, Que. is proving successful, advocates say.
On a parking zone subsequent to the previous Robert-Guertin Centre in Hull, Village Transitiôn goals to cut back homelessness by offering non-public and protected lodging to residents who beforehand lived in tents.
The first residents moved in shortly before Christmas and already the 40 models of the venture’s first stage are full.
“It’s small … but it’s perfect,” stated one lady. CBC isn’t naming her because of the potential stigma related to homelessness.
“Everything’s new. You can choose your colours of your curtains, colour of your sheets on the bed, and everything’s in there when you go there: toaster, coffee maker, everything’s there.”
As the residents settle into their new models, native councillor Steve Moran says it is a step in the best route — however not a everlasting answer.
Life in a delivery container
Gatineau land developer Devcore led growth of the neighborhood, which is being managed by non-profit group Transitiôn Québec.
Village Transitiôn presents transitional housing for as much as 5 years, charging residents lease pegged to 25 to 30 per cent of their revenue.
Nancy Martineau, govt director of Transitiôn Quebec, stated she’s seeing the neighborhood blossom as residents plan small gardens and a canine park.
‘I’ve been dreaming about this venture for the final 5 years,’ stated Martineau. ‘It’s my final venture of my profession and I’m actually happy with it.’ (Giacomo Panico/CBC)
“It’s like a little family where you can have your own life without being judged and do your stuff and especially have a place to rest and to feel secure,” she stated.
To preserve that sense of security, the village is provided with a fence and has safety on employees, Martineau stated, with residents agreeing to abide by sure guidelines
For instance, for now, guests not are allowed. Martineau stated that is to make sure the neighborhood stays “good for everyone.” In April, they plan to carry consultations with the residents to determine how and when guests ought to be allowed.
‘I need them to have a spot to relaxation and simply suppose a bit about what they wish to do with their very own life,’ Martineau stated. ‘When you’ve got a spot for month to month, you are simply surviving and can’t make plans for the longer term.’ (Giacomo Panico/CBC)
But there is not any rule stopping residents from utilizing medication on the village. Naloxone, a drug that quickly reverses an opioid overdose, is stored available.
“Living in the street, it’s not easy,” Martineau stated. “So we just hope them having a nice safe space may help.”
While the constructions are delivery containers, the residents are making themselves at residence. Many have pets, together with the girl to whom CBC spoke. Her canine is called Bandit.
“People will help each other, you know, if you’re stuck, you know, people run out of cigarettes, milk, sugar, they’ll help each other,” she stated. “It’s gonna be a little village.”
Martineau stated it is vital to let the residents select issues like their mattress sheets and curtains as a result of ‘we wish them to really feel at residence.’ (Giacomo Panico/CBC)
Gatineau’s response to homelessness
Moran stated this venture builds on a earlier venture by Devcore in December 2023, when the company organized 28 heated tents for an encampment which occupied the space the place Village Transitiôn now stands.
“I was one of the people very skeptical of that. I wasn’t sure it was going to work,” Moran admitted. “But it proved to be a success, if not a perfect success.”
To reply to surging homelessness, the National Capital Region wants fast short-term options, Moran stated.
“My concern is that collectively we’ll think, oh, great, people have a shelter and that’s enough,” he stated.
‘Some of my colleagues on City Council stated, you realize, it isn’t our job to spend cash on addressing homelessness,’ Moran stated. ‘I essentially and profoundly disagree with that. It it if it isn’t our job, who’s is it?’ (Gabriel Le Marquand Perreault/Radio-Canada)
In the Robert-Guertin Centre encampment, the variety of tents rose from about 30 in 2019-20 to nearly 100 by the top of 2023. Village Transitiôn gave precedence to individuals dwelling in these tents when choosing residents for the primary 40 models.
Moran acknowledged that some in his ward are involved the encampment will develop into a everlasting fixture. He stated that will not be the case, calling on town and province to proceed working to tackle homelessness.
“It’s not enough and we can’t be satisfied with just this,” he stated. “The real solution to homelessness is providing long term housing with community supports.”
With Village Transitiôn’s first 40 models full, the venture is now hoping to broaden to 100 models.
