The Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec, the City of Montreal, the Société d'habitation et de développement de Montréal (SHDM) and the non-profit organization Chez Doris are proud to inaugurate the Résidence Marcelle et Jean Coutu, a new 26-studio building for women in precarious situations or at risk of homelessness.
Located on De Champlain Street in the Ville-Marie borough, these new studios have been welcoming vulnerable women requiring supervision, but who are sufficiently autonomous to live in the community. This safe, modern living environment, adapted to tenants' needs, benefits from the presence of daytime social workers. Featuring a courtyard and an independent entrance for each studio, this building enables residents to develop their autonomy, while benefiting from social support and a community room for socializing.
The $7.2 million project was made possible thanks to $5.1 million in SHDM equity and $800,000 from the Government of Canada's Affordable Housing Fund. In addition, thanks to a grant from the Major Residential Renovations Program, the City of Montreal contributed an additional $1.17 million, of which $585,000 came from the Quebec government's program to finance municipal housing programs in the City of Montreal. The Quebec government also provides funding for rent supplements for residents to limit their contribution to rent payments to 25% of their income. The Quebec government also contributes to the funding of psychosocial services offered to women through an envelope of $52,938 per year. SHDM retains ownership of the building, and the non-profit organization Chez Doris will manage it, as well as providing psychosocial support for the women who live there.
Quotes
“The federal government will always redouble its efforts to ensure that everyone in Quebec and across Canada has a safe and stable home. Thanks to the Affordable Housing Fund and the collaboration of all levels of government, we are delivering new affordable homes quickly to those who need them most across the country.”
-The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“I would like to acknowledge the vision and efforts of the Chez Doris leaders behind this initiative, who have worked very hard to get us to this point. You have my gratitude. And on behalf of the women you help, I say: Thank you! These new residences will create a welcoming environment where these women can live with dignity and peace of mind.
-Karine Boivin Roy, MNA for Anjou-Louis-Riel and Government Assistant to the Minister of Employment and to the Minister responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region
“Women experiencing homelessness face particularly difficult realities and need resources adapted to their needs. The Marcelle and Jean Coutu Residence is more than a roof over their heads; it's a safe space where they can rebuild their lives, feel supported, and regain their autonomy. I would like to thank the Chez Doris organization for once again raising its hand to help them. Together, we must continue to develop solutions that protect and value our most vulnerable women.”
-Lionel Carmant, Minister responsible for Social Services
“The housing crisis is a complex issue that requires the collaboration of all levels of government. I am pleased to see that thanks to this joint investment by the Government of Canada, the Province of Quebec and the City of Montreal, we are adding 26 studios for women in precarious situations or at risk of homelessness, here in Laurier--Sainte-Marie. This demonstrates our shared commitment to supporting those who need it most.”
-The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for Laurier-Sainte-Marie
“For our administration, housing is an essential key to responding sustainably to the housing crisis and supporting vulnerable people. The Marcelle and Jean Coutu Residence will provide a home for 26 women at risk of homelessness. Thanks to the work of our partner, Chez Doris, and the expertise and substantial investment of SHDM, 26 people will have a roof over their heads, as well as the services they need. These complex issues require adapted support, and we salute the participation of all our government and community partners, who made this project possible. This mobilization is essential if we are to meet the growing needs associated with the vulnerability crisis.”
-Benoit Dorais, Vice-Chairman of the Ville de Montréal Executive Committee, responsible for housing, real estate strategy, property assessment and legal affairs
“This residence is a fine example of a real estate project developed by SHDM teams that makes a real difference for vulnerable populations in Montreal. This 26-unit building, financed to the tune of over $5 million from our organization's own funds, is the latest addition to the 168 housing units for vulnerable people that we have built in recent months in the Ville-Marie borough. I would like to thank all the partners involved, both public and private, as well as Chez Doris, for making this project possible. It's proof that by collaborating and joining forces, we can find solutions together to provide lasting accommodation for people in precarious situations.”
- Sophie Rousseau-Loiselle, SHDM General Manager
“We are extremely proud to inaugurate the Marcelle and Jean Coutu Residence. The addition of these 26 studios complements the other Chez Doris services we offer to women in need, and makes Chez Doris a key resource in the overall offer of support for homelessness in Montreal. In addition to living in new, safe housing, the 26 women residents benefit from support that helps them improve their lifestyle, their autonomy and, above all, their self-esteem. For them, the housing becomes both a real lever and a benevolent, reassuring community, helping them to avoid or get off the street. We also salute the support of all our partners, without whom this project would not have seen the light of day, notably the SHDM, the City of Montreal and the Marcelle and Jean Coutu Foundation.”
-Carole Croteau, President of the Chez Doris Board of Directors
The Résidence Marcelle et Jean Coutu in brief
- 2233 De Champlain Street, Ville-Marie Borough
- 26 studios for women in precarious or homeless situations
- Owner: SHDM
- Managing organization: Chez Doris
- Architecture: Rayside Labossière
- Structural engineering: Firme de génie-conseil NCK
- Mechanical and electrical engineering: Rochon Experts-Conseils
- Environmental engineering: Groupe Gesfor, Poirier, Pinchin inc.
- Contractor: Germano Construction Corporation
About Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
As Canada's housing authority, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, helps Canadians in need, and provides unbiased research and advice to all levels of government, consumers and the housing industry across the country. CMHC's goal is that, by 2030, everyone in Canada will be able to afford a home that meets their needs. To find out more, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.
About Société d'habitation du Québec
As the benchmark in housing, the SHQ's mission is to meet the housing needs of Quebecers through its expertise and services to citizens. To do so, it offers affordable or low-cost housing, and a range of assistance programs to promote residential construction and renovation, home adaptation and home ownership.
To find out more about our activities, visit www.habitation.gouv.qc.ca.
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About SHDM
A non-profit, paramunicipal organization, the SHDM contributes to the social and economic development of the City of Montreal through the development, management and enhancement of real estate assets of a residential, institutional and cultural nature. As the real estate arm of the Ville de Montréal, it helps maintain and create affordable, sustainable living environments, through responsible management of its real estate portfolio of over 5,000 units.
www.shdm.org
About Chez Doris
Founded in 1977 as a day shelter for women in difficulty, Chez Doris has grown to serve over 1,500 vulnerable women each year, offering them comprehensive support in a spirit of inclusion and respect. In addition to meals, the organization provides clothing, financial management support, medical services, an overnight shelter and access to various housing solutions, including permanent residences. Chez Doris' mission is to support and empower women in precarious situations to realize their full potential, by offering them a wide range of services in safe spaces where they can find help and comfort without judgment.
