“Having a permanent apartment means that I no longer manage my distress, I manage my life,” says Joëlle.

Over the years, Joëlle had her share of challenges. Growing up, her father suffered from alcoholism and, when Joëlle was 8, her mother was hospitalized with mental health issues. At the age of 18, Joelle moved to Montréal hoping to start fresh. Instead, she found herself drifting from one temporary housing situation to the next, and in and out of care for her own mental health issues.

When I arrived, all I had was a suitcase with a few possessions.

It wasn’t until she found la Maison des Papillons, that she finally found her joy.

“My smile and positive attitude have come back!” says Joëlle. “I can finally live without being constantly stressed about housing.”

She is making new connections and feels confident in her surroundings.

“The people here are not judgmental and, most importantly, I feel safe.”

Breaking the cycle of poverty

La Maison des Papillons was created by Le Mûrier, a charitable organization serving people living with persistent mental health disorders. The organization is working to combat the poverty its clients experience, break their isolation and support their recovery.

We hope that this safe, secure, affordable living environment will open the door for healing and connection. We also hope it will provide residents with the confidence they need to live independently and explore their potential.

The new 23-unit facility provides permanent affordable housing to those in need and complements La Maison’s transitional housing facility for young people aged 18 to 35.

“Our strength lies in community,” says Alex Chayer, general manager, Le Mûrier. “We hope that this safe, secure, affordable living environment will open the door for healing and connection. We also hope it will provide residents with the confidence they need to live independently and explore their potential.”

For Joëlle, this involves reconnecting with art.

A “euphoric state of mind”

“It has helped me to manage life’s challenges,” she explains.

Joëlle paints with acrylics, watercolors and loves collage and origami. The stability of her new home has given her time to quietly resume her passion.

It’s just over 6 months since Joëlle moved into her new apartment and her walls are already brightly lined with her art. She says her new pieces, “reflect my euphoric state of mind when I arrived.”

Opening the door for re-connection

Having lost contact with her family, the security Joëlle feels in her new home has opened the door to re-connection.

Her family has been reassured to see her in a beautiful place, receiving the support she needs. Joëlle proudly shares that her brother gave her a new television, and even set it up — a simple, yet meaningful gesture.

A supportive community

Francois Lecompte, coordinator, La Maison des Papillons interviewed Joëlle for her apartment and could not be more pleased with her progress.

“Joëlle is a great fit and has added so much to the community.”

Francois says the location of her new home, next to the transitional living wing, has also helped Joëlle feel closer to the La Maison community.

“Seeing that from her window gives her a lot of security to meet her daily challenges. It’s been a good thing.”

Joëlle trusts Francois enormously. She looks forward to his visits and is thankful for the support provided by his team.

“When I arrived, all I had was a suitcase with a few possessions,” she says. “They provided me with a starter kit for my kitchen and saw to it that I was situated.”

With housing costs limited to 25% of her income, she is able to maintain a small budget for groceries and other expenses.

“I can look after my needs.”

A bright new chapter

For the first time in her life, Joëlle has her own phone. She is in a mental health art therapy group. She also offers to help staff and her neighbors, when needed.

My smile and positive attitude have come back! I can finally live without being constantly stressed about housing.

Joëlle feels that symbolism of the butterfly [Maison des Papillons/Butterfly House] is a great representation of where she is at in her life.

Having moved through several, challenging stages, she is finally living life in colour. She feels hopeful, inspired and extremely grateful.

“I’m very proud to be here.”

KEY FACTS

• La Maison des Papillons is a 23-unit permanent housing facility for people living with mental health challenges in Montréal.
• The development was funded by the governments of Canada and Québec, the City of Montréal and charitable organization Le Mûrier.
• The federal government supported the project under the Canada-Québec Rapid Housing Initiative Agreement.

SEE ALSO

• 23 new housing units for people living with mental health issues in Montréal | CMHC (cmhc-schl.gc.ca)