Question 1

Why is the Center located at 9451 Gouin Boulevard West?

Accepted Answer

Since 2020, we have evaluated many possible sites with the help of CIUSSS West Island, the City of Montreal, the Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough, PME Montreal West Island, neighborhood tables and even real estate brokers. The 9451 building was the only one that met all the criteria: large enough, already suited to our needs, accessible, away from residences and conducive to the recovery of vulnerable people.

Most importantly, Ricochet established itself in Pierrefonds-Roxboro because the need was here. The organization would never have been created without the visible presence of homelessness in the West Island and the challenges faced by local residents.

Question 2

Will Ricochet remain permanently in this building?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our goal is to stabilize our presence in the West Island. We are actively working with partners to acquire the building and secure our activities for the long term.

Question 3

Why not move the resource elsewhere?

Accepted Answer

The people we help live here. Sending them elsewhere would uproot them and worsen their marginalization. The West Island has a structural need for housing and shelter; Ricochet exists to address this need locally.

Question 4

Does Ricochet plan to expand the current Center?

Accepted Answer

No. There are no plans to expand or build additions to the Center. Contrary to some beliefs, we do not intend to increase the size of our community shelter.

Our vision is not about expansion, but about gradually transforming our services: reducing the number of emergency beds and developing affordable housing in the West Island. The goal is to provide sustainable, adapted solutions rather than simply adding more shelter beds.

Question 5

What are Ricochet’s plans for developing affordable housing?

Accepted Answer

Our goal is to create a continuum of services. We plan to convert part of our current 80 emergency beds into 48 emergency beds and then develop around 60 affordable housing units for independent people who do not require 24/7 support.

This project addresses a structural need in the West Island: the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment exceeds $1,900 per month, which is unaffordable for many. By creating affordable housing, we want to provide a stable, lasting solution that enables local residents to exit homelessness and regain independence.

Question 6

Is Ricochet’s mission to end homelessness in the West Island?

Accepted Answer

No. Homelessness is a systemic and structural issue that goes far beyond the scope of a single organization. Our mission is not to end it, but to provide a local and human response to the very real needs of the West Island: a roof, meals and psychosocial support for local citizens.

Ricochet exists because, in our community, people are sleeping outside without access to a bed, a shower or a hot meal. Without these urgent needs, the organization would not exist.

We are realistic: Ricochet is a band-aid, not a permanent solution. But while we wait for long-term solutions such as affordable housing to be developed, we continue to reach out to vulnerable citizens of the West Island. We offer them dignity and a chance to bounce back, while working with the community to improve cohabitation and reduce tensions.

Question 7

Why is Ricochet described as a “band-aid” rather than a permanent solution?

Accepted Answer

Because we address immediate needs (shelter, food, support), but the real solution lies in affordable housing and long-term social policies. Until those structural solutions exist, Ricochet provides dignity and safety to those who need it most.

Question 8

Is Ricochet, or does it plan to become, a supervised consumption site (SCS)?

Accepted Answer

No. Ricochet is not a supervised consumption site and we do not plan to become one, either in the short or long term. Our mission is focused on community shelter, psychosocial support and social reintegration.

Although substance use is prohibited inside the Center, we welcome intoxicated individuals to provide them with a safe place. We follow a harm reduction approach: this means we seek to minimize the negative consequences of risky behaviors. For this reason, safe consumption supplies are always available and syringe disposal bins are accessible in multiple locations, both inside and outside the Center.

FAQ

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).