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

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

The building, known as Maison Shelley, is a six-story, 37-unit building located at the corner of Shelley Avenue and Jarry Street, 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 housing, housing. A safe house with a community,” said Hélène Hicpazo, deputy director of Maison Saint-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 for different needs?” Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante said at the grand opening of the building.

Federal Environment and Climate Change Minister Stephen Guilbault added: “These projects are only possible if all levels of government work together and cooperate.”

But governments must continue to work together: Montreal has a huge demand for social and affordable housing.

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

Quebec's Minister of Social Cooperation and Community Affairs Chantal Rouleau did not make any official announcement 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.”