Montreal's new low-income housing for people with mental health issues

A new facility for low-income residents with mental health problems opened Friday in Montreal's Villeret-Saint-Michel-Parc-Adencion neighborhood.

The six-story, 37-unit building at the corner of Shelley Avenue and Jarry Street, called Maison Shelley, is managed by Maison St-Dominique, an affordable housing organization.

The nonprofit says workers will be on site to support residents.

In addition, the rent is subsidized, the cost of which does not exceed 25 percent of the resident's annual income.

“It allows citizens — your brother, my father, my sister, your cousin — to have a home, a home. A safe home with a community,” said Helen Hekpazo, assistant manager of Maison St-Dominique.

The federal, provincial and municipal governments contributed a total of $18 million to the project.

“How do we make sure we have a variety of housing options across the city based on different needs?” Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante said at the grand opening of the building.

“These projects will only be possible if all levels of government work together and cooperate,” added federal Environment and Climate Change Minister Stephen Guilbeau.

But governments must continue to work together: demand for social and affordable housing in Montreal is high.

This latest development is already full, with a two-year waiting list for prospective tenants.

Quebec's Minister of Social Solidarity and Community Affairs Chantal Rouleau would not make any official announcements Friday, but said more such projects are coming.

“We know people need more housing,” he said. “The situation is critical and we will all work together to achieve this goal.”