Regional Collective advocated for homeless solutions during Gatineau Summit

Tashi Farmilo

The Regional Collective for the Fight Against Homelessness in Outaouais organized a protest coinciding with the Homelessness Summit of the City of Gatineau. The event took place on April 17th from noon to 1:00 pm on the terrace behind the Maison du Citoyen, where there was also a barbecue.

The Collective invited its members, the individuals they support, and the general public to join in raising awareness about the homelessness issue in Gatineau. As various levels of government pass responsibilities among themselves, hundreds of Gatineau citizens find themselves without a home. According to the 2022 homelessness count, nearly one in four people (24%) are on the streets due to evictions. This social phenomenon spares no one—men, women, families, youths, and the elderly are all vulnerable.

"The city isn’t treating the situation as a safety issue, and there’s a lack of maintenance and respect for our facilities. Right now, there's a plan to move our heating resources from the arena at Guertin to an undisclosed location, which isn’t likely to improve living conditions. There are no showers, the food access is poor, and the most basic resources aren't easy to come by," Pascal  (who feared providing his last name to a journalist) explained during the protest. He highlighted the disconnect between the services provided and the actual needs of the community, emphasizing the city's approach of relocating rather than addressing the root problems. "The city seems more interested in giving the impression that they care rather than taking real action. We’re not just reforming; we need to change the system," he added passionately.

Photo caption: The Regional Collective for the Fight Against Homelessness in Outaouais organized a protest and a barbecue for the community who participated. 

Photo credit: Tashi Farmilo