Inspirational leadership in Quebec to end homelessness 

In Quebec, between 2018-22, the number of individuals experiencing homelessness increased by more than a third.  

Urgent action is required, as there is no acceptable target but zero homelessness. We can no longer wait. The City of Quebec is determined to bring homelessness to an end to ensure that everyone can live with dignity.  

Bringing homelessness to an end – together 

Homelessness is an issue for the whole of our society, and we must work together to tackle it.  

Mayors across Quebec can be at the heart of the solution. They are the first to hear the concerns of citizens and businesses regarding social cohesion, quality of life and a sense of security. They are in direct contact with community organisations working on the ground with vulnerable individuals.  

They can mobilise communities to provide solutions. And they can act swiftly. 

A pioneering and unifying vision for homelessness 

At the end of 2023, the City of Quebec presented its first Vision for Homelessness 2024-2030. Our objective is clear: zero homelessness. 

This Vision serves as our anchor to achieve it; our framework for the coming years to ensure no one is left behind. 

It was developed in consultation with individuals experiencing homelessness, community organisations, City of Quebec employees, neighbourhood councils, indigenous communities, businesspeople, CIUSSS, plus other institutions. 

We also sought inspiration from around the world, in places that successfully improved the situation. This includes Finland, which, along with Norway, is the only country where the number of individuals experiencing homelessness has significantly decreased through government cooperation with supporting organisations, political commitment to making homelessness a priority, substantial financial contributions, and the widespread adoption of the Housing First approach. 

Given the complex challenges associated with homelessness, including poverty and inequalities, the weakening of social support networks, and a lack of access to affordable housing, the City is determined to use all its levers to tackle the issue.  

Our Vision for homelessness revolves around five pillars, each supported by an ambition: 

1. A strengthened social safety net for individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk, with a perspective of collective well-being. The City of Quebec financially supports over a dozen organizations working in prevention and intervention. It also makes facilities available to organizations for day and night respite services. 

2. The inclusion and social participation of individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Here we offer training and awareness workshops on homelessness to municipal employees, elected officials, organisations, and citizens to help them engage with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We are also investigating alternative paid day-work approaches for people experiencing homelessness. 

3. Providing shelter for all by increasing the availability of social, community, and affordable housing. Our ambition is to build 500 new social and affordable housing units per year, with 20% dedicated to vulnerable populations. 

4. Creating living environments that strengthen social cohesion. Creating diverse, inclusive, and safe public spaces that enhance the quality of life for all citizens and supporting various social mediation projects in public spaces to promote positive interactions. 

5. Acting together to end homelessness. Working with governments to make the case for an increased role of municipalities in housing and adequate funding to meet current and future needs. 

An ambitious yet achievable goal 

Achieving our Vision will require increased support from other levels of government. But as a municipal administration, we clearly have a pivotal role to play in the fight against homelessness. The City of Quebec will continue to act as a leader and mobilise the entire community until it achieves its goal of zero homelessness. 

The time has come for a world without homelessness. 

This article is also available in French here.