West Island's first homeless shelter remains open, adds more beds

The West Island's first homeless shelter will remain open under a new name.

The West Island Warming Centre (Halte-chaleur) is also changing its name to reflect its new role in combating homelessness. The shelter, which opened Dec, 1, 2020, will now be called the West Island Transition Centre (Halte-transition).

It is still located at 5100 Château-pierrefonds Ave., Pierrefonds. It is open 7 days a week, from 7 p.m. until 8 a.m., for those experiencing “homelessness and residential instability.”

It will remain open for another three-month period, until June 30.

“The last few months (from December 2020 to March 2021) have shown the importance and relevance of a resource such as the Halte-chaleur in the West Island, making it possible to meet the needs of a population too often marginalized,” the Action Jeunesse de l'ouest-de-l'île (AJOI) said in a statement. “It is therefore with the objective of continuing to meet the multiple needs of this population that we will maintain our various services throughout the coming months.”

AJOI also released some figures of those using the shelter from Dec. 19 to March 31.

■ Services used 972 times by 72 different people

■ 86 per cent of beneficiaries were male

■ One-third of beneficiaries aged between 18 and 35

■ 1,270 meals served

AJOI said the same services will be maintained at the West Island Transition Centre:

“The West Island Transition Centre will continue to provide a welcoming place for beneficiaries to receive hot meals, drink, shower, rest, wash their clothes and warm up. A computer and the wireless internet network are always available to users who wish to search for accommodation, employment or for any other suitable use.” Pets are also welcome. AJOI said it will be increasing the number of beds offered, and the maximum number of beneficiaries will also increase from 15 to 20 people per night. Previously, it could accommodate between 10 to 15 people.

“In addition, we want to focus on supporting beneficiaries in their search for housing and their social reintegration efforts,” AJOI said.

A shuttle service will continue operating in the West Island between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. The shuttle will transport people to the shelter.