People experiencing homelessness in Montreal's West Island once again have a shelter in the area, nearly 40 days after an expired lease and fruitless search for a new home forced the Ricochet Centre to close its doors. At the time, the centre's executive director, Tania Charron, had no choice but to distribute survival gear and wish the shelter's clients the best. Monday evening, she was finally able to welcome them back at a new location: the Villa Saint-Martin, owned by the Ignatian Spirituality Centre of Montreal, on Gouin Boulevard.
"It's a relief to have found a space, but being able to welcome people in such a beautiful area is more than a dream. It's the cherry on top," said Charron. She's been looking for a permanent home for the shelter for over two years.
And while this new location is still temporary, it gives the organization a chance to catch its breath. The villa was previously used by the YMCA to receive Ukrainian refugees and became available again at the end of June. 'Like a miracle' "It was like a miracle for us," said Charron.
"In two weeks, we moved everything." The building, however, is up for sale. Even though Ricochet signed a one-year lease, Charron says they will have to leave within 90 days in the event that the property is sold.
Charron says the organization is receiving support from the provincial and federal governments because "Ricochet alone we couldn't afford it." West Island left with no homeless shelter after Ricochet forced to close its door.
