A model new enterprise providing transitional housing in reworked supply containers in Gatineau, Que. is proving profitable, advocates say.
On a car parking zone subsequent to the earlier Robert-Guertin Centre in Hull, Village Transitiôn targets to chop again homelessness by providing personal and guarded lodging to residents who beforehand lived in tents.
The first residents moved in shortly before Christmas and already the 40 fashions of the enterprise’s first stage are full.
“It’s small … but it’s perfect,” said one woman. CBC isn’t naming her due to the potential stigma associated 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 fashions, native councillor Steve Moran says it’s a step in one of the best route — nevertheless not a eternal reply.
Life in a supply container
Gatineau land developer Devcore led development of the neighborhood, which is being managed by non-profit group Transitiôn Québec.
Village Transitiôn presents transitional housing for as a lot as 5 years, charging residents lease pegged to 25 to 30 per cent of their income.
Nancy Martineau, govt director of Transitiôn Quebec, said she’s seeing the neighborhood blossom as residents plan small gardens and a canine park.
‘I’ve been dreaming about this enterprise for the ultimate 5 years,’ said Martineau. ‘It’s my remaining enterprise of my career and I’m truly proud of 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 said.
To protect that sense of safety, the village is supplied with a fence and has security on workers, Martineau said, with residents agreeing to abide by certain tips
For occasion, for now, friends not are allowed. Martineau said that’s to verify the neighborhood stays “good for everyone.” In April, they plan to hold consultations with the residents to find out how and when friends must 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 said. ‘When you’ve acquired a spot for month to month, you might be merely surviving and may’t make plans for the long term.’ (Giacomo Panico/CBC)
But there is no rule stopping residents from using remedy on the village. Naloxone, a drug that shortly reverses an opioid overdose, is saved obtainable.
“Living in the street, it’s not easy,” Martineau said. “So we just hope them having a nice safe space may help.”
While the constructions are supply containers, the residents are making themselves at residence. Many have pets, along with the lady to whom CBC spoke. Her canine is known as 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 said. “It’s gonna be a little village.”
Martineau said it’s critical to let the residents choose points like their mattress sheets and curtains on account of ‘we wish them to really feel at residence.’ (Giacomo Panico/CBC)
Gatineau’s response to homelessness
Moran said this enterprise builds on a earlier enterprise 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 needs quick short-term choices, Moran said.
“My concern is that collectively we’ll think, oh, great, people have a shelter and that’s enough,” he said.
‘Some of my colleagues on City Council stated, you realize, it isn’t our job to spend money on addressing homelessness,’ Moran said. ‘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 number of tents rose from about 30 in 2019-20 to just about 100 by the highest of 2023. Village Transitiôn gave priority to people dwelling in these tents when selecting residents for the first 40 fashions.
Moran acknowledged that some in his ward are concerned the encampment will develop right into a eternal fixture. He said that won’t be the case, calling on city and province to proceed working to deal with homelessness.
“It’s not enough and we can’t be satisfied with just this,” he said. “The real solution to homelessness is providing long term housing with community supports.”
With Village Transitiôn’s first 40 fashions full, the enterprise is now hoping to broaden to 100 fashions.
