Did you know that there are over 3,000 people facing homelessness today in Montreal? At the best of times, there aren't enough beds in shelters to house everyone experiencing homelessness—today, we are critically short. Additional shelter is needed to ensure everyone is cared for in these difficult times.
To make matters more challenging, people facing homelessness have nowhere to turn if they own an animal or are living with addiction. We urgently need safe places for people with animals and individuals managing an addiction.
You can highlight this critical gap in services by adding your name to this petition.
For people with cherished pets by their side, finding a safe place to stay is nearly impossible. In the face of the pandemic, shelters have limited capacity in order to ensure a two-meter distance between each bed. The city has added temporary beds for people experiencing homelessness in hotels, but animals are not accepted on the premises and people living with addiction are not welcome.
This puts people with animals and others battling addiction at a severe disadvantage.
When Cedric was evicted from his apartment eight months ago, he couldn't bear to give up his dog Remy. For Cedric, Remy was his long-time friend and companion.
"Remy's my boy. I can't imagine life without him. We've been together for five years and I'd never give him up for anything. Some people judge me for keeping my dog," Cedric says, "but he's happy and eats better than I do."
If you have a beloved pet in your home, you know that pet is a member of your family. Imagine Cedric's position. For him, losing Remy would be unbearable. Remy has been by his side through thick and thin—abandoning Remy would be traumatic for them both.
You can help us bring attention to this issue so others like Cedric and Remy have a safe place to sleep during the pandemic. The time to act is now! Will you stand with us by signing this petition?
"I don't know where I can go. All the usual shelters are full, and none of the temporary places are allowing me to bring Remy," Cedric says. "I want to stay safe just like everybody else. But what can I do?"
Organizations like Welcome Hall Mission are working with the city to find ways to protect Montrealers who are most at risk, but there is much to be done.
There are many others facing the same situation as Cedric and Remy. You can help by adding your name to this petition and drawing attention to this vital issue.
Your advocacy will help organizations like Welcome Hall Mission to work with the city, so animal owners like Cedric and people living with addiction have access to shelter. Together, we can make a difference for people facing homelessness during the outbreak.
