Crowded Montreal homeless shelters leave many out in extreme heat

Extreme heat warnings are in effect in Montreal and though many are feeling the heat, the city’s most vulnerable are also enduring their own set of challenges.

As high demand in admission at homeless shelters increase, CEO and President of the Old Brewery Mission, James Hughes, is worried for those unable to get access “they’re topped out, there’s no place left.”

Though over 400 beds are available on any given night, the number of people out on the street outweigh the resources provided to help them, prompting many to stay outside in the heat at public spaces around Montreal.

Many are “very nervous of the heat, especially those who suffer from mental health issues and addictions, are going to be in danger,” Hughes added. “Ultimately, there’s a lot of people living in the street, living in the camps, under bridges, in lanes that are at great risk.”

The Old Brewery Mission and their partners are trying to help those on the streets daily. However, more must be done according to Hughes to ensure safety for the homeless, especially when not everyone is attended to on a regular basis.

“We have to really come together as a community add the capacity we need, the right kind, that’s 24/7 services.”

Though Hughes says the city has been very helpful in providing what it can to help, the major problem is how Montreal handles its public spaces. “The policy of the city is to dismantle camps immediately, and we agree that camps are not the long-term solution to homelessness, especially people living in absolute homelessness but just moving people from one place to the next outside, is really not the solution.”

In December 2020, Montreal authorities dismantled a major tent encampment on Notre-Dame street, prompting many to denounce the way it was handled.

For now, the best way to help is to bring extra water and provide to those who may seem like they need it.

“Montrealers got to keep their eyes open and intervene when they see people in the streets,” Hughes said.