Ensemble Montréal pledges 2,000 housing units to combat homelessness in Montreal
Posted September 25, 2025 11:45 am.
Mayoral candidate and leader of Ensemble Montréal, Soraya Martinez Ferrada announced a plan on Thursday to address the city’s homelessness crisis. Pledging to develop at least 2,000 transitional and permanent housing units with psychosocial support during her first term if elected mayor in the upcoming municipal elections.
A key strategy in reaching this goal she said will involve utilizing municipal land and buildings.
According to city estimates, approximately 1,500 units could be developed on such properties. The plan also includes the use of prefabricated homes and buildings, offering a faster and more cost-effective construction solution.
This aligns with the federal government’s commitment to create 4,000 prefabricated homes across Canada.
“The homelessness crisis will require a series of measures to overcome it,” said Martinez Ferrada. “It will also require coordination with the private, community, and other partners to provide stable, effective, and humane services.”
“We will be proactive to ensure that we find solutions together,” she added.
In addition to the housing units, Martinez Ferrada’s administration aims to create a homelessness matching fund.
The $10 million fund will allow the private and philanthropic sectors to contribute to the ongoing fight against homelessness.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to combat homelessness, including a $120 million investment during Martinez Ferrada’s first term, enhancements to the Rent Assistance Bank, and the creation of a housing bank for those without options after July 1st.
