Three levels of government inaugurate new shelter in Saguenay

Chicoutimi, Quebec, February 12, 2024

The Quebec Minister responsible for Social Services Lionel Carmant, Quebec Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister responsible for the Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean Region Andrée Laforest, and Quebec Minister responsible for Housing France-Élaine Duranceau inaugurated a new crisis intervention and housing resource for the Saguenay population, as well as additional beds for people in vulnerable situations. Housing units have also been added. The Quebec government contributed more than $11.1 million. The Government of Canada contributed over $2.7 million under the Second Canada – Quebec Agreement on the Rapid Housing Initiative.

Services for this crisis centre are delivered at the Centre de santé L’Équilibre du Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean operated by the Saguenay branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in partnership with the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean. The centre has been open 24 – 7 since (date). Besides housing, the following services are available:

support and assistance services.
psychosocial interventions.
telephone follow-up service.
referrals based on individual needs.

The project benefits from recurring funding of $850,357, allocated under one of the measures of the Plan d'action interministériel en santé mentale 2022 – 2026 — S'unir pour un mieux-être collectif (PAISM), to support the operation of the crisis center and cover staffing needs. The CIUSSS also contributes $50,000 per year.

New housing at Centre de santé L'Équilibre

The Centre de santé L'Équilibre, whose mission is to support people facing psychological or social challenges, will also be welcoming the addition of 56 beds for people in conflict with the law and people living with mental health problems. These include 8 crisis beds, 2 supervised apartments and 10 rehabilitation beds.

This project required investments of over $15.6 million from the governments of Quebec and Canada.

Quotes:

“I'm very pleased to inaugurate today what is an important part of the interdepartmental mental health action plan: the deployment of community crisis centers. This project responds to a real need in the community, as we have seen an increase in demand for mental health services in the Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean region in recent years. The center will improve access to this type of service, with 24/7 intervention in the person's own environment and temporary accommodation to reduce hospitalization. On-site services will be provided by a single team, in a single location, 24 hours a day, every day of the week.”
— Lionel Carmant, Quebec Minister Responsible for Social Services

“Under the Canada – Quebec agreement on the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI), we are quickly building homes for those who need them most, across the country. Thanks to today's announcement, more than 56 beds will soon be available to vulnerable people in Chicoutimi. These new homes will provide a safe haven and essential support for individuals seeking to recover and regain their stability.”
— The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“The inauguration of the Centre de santé l'Équilibre for citizens in need of mental health services means a great deal to my riding of Chicoutimi. Ever since I entered politics five years ago, I've wanted to find solutions for heritage buildings near downtown areas. This location follows the opening of another heritage building where Chicoutimi's homeless are now accommodated. Today, the former Chicoutimi detention facility, closed eight years ago, is being given a new lease on life. It's unprecedented! Today I'm very moved by this important announcement.”
— Andrée Laforest, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for the Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean Region

“I'm delighted to see that this unique place, both modern and historical, will be a welcoming place of support and integration for many people experiencing difficulties in their daily lives. In addition, we plan to offer more affordable housing beds. This will help provide a roof over the heads of people who badly need a fresh start in life, in an environment that encourages them to regain their independence.”
— France-Élaine Duranceau, Quebec Minister Responsible for Housing

Highlights:

The creation of this crisis center is the result of a PAISM measure.
Since the pandemic, the Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean region has seen a significant increase in the number of calls to the Info-Social service, more than 60% between 2019 – 2020 and 2022 – 2023. The Info-Social service has also seen a 12% increase in the number of calls to 811 since the pandemic, and a 23% increase in calls from partners in the region.
Eligible tenants can benefit from the SHQ's Québec Rent Supplement Program, which enables them to pay 25% of their income towards housing. This additional assistance of over $825,000 over five years will be paid 90% by the SHQ and 10% by the City of Saguenay.