The old Royal Victoria Hospital will house Montreal's homeless during cold snap

Jan 16 2019, 10:25 pm

Montreal has found a short-term solution to the overcrowded homeless shelters during the city’s recent streak of cold weather, the old Royal Victoria Hospital site.

A total of 80 beds for men, women, and pets have become available every night (since yesterday) should Montreal’s existing shelters reach capacity.

Montreal’s largest resource for homeless men and women, the Old Brewery Mission, said in a tweet, “Montreal’s first overflow shelter opens its doors at the old Royal Victoria Hospital, offering 80 additional beds so that every Montrealer can have a safe, warm and dignified winter.”

Overcrowded shelters have reached a crisis point as, on any given night, there are 3,000 to 3,500 homeless on the streets of Montreal. Throughout the year, as many as 12,000 people might experience not having a home, even for a short period of time.

Montreal’s shelters combine for just over 1,000 beds.

Due to shelter the demand, the Old Brewery Mission has scrambled to provide beds by putting mattresses down on the floor.

The Old Brewery Mission and the Royal Vic say that these extra beds are essential because the main focus is getting people off the streets.

Donations in the form of money and clothing are always welcome. For more information, visit the Old Brewery Mission website.

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