SPECIFIC PROJECTS
Taking Action Against Changing Realities
At Ricochet, we remain alert to the social issues transforming the West Island. As needs evolve, we develop agile and human-centered solutions. Our specific projects reflect this commitment: transforming the feedback we hear from our community into concrete actions for the most vulnerable populations.
Survivors for Survivors
A safety net for West Island women
The Reality: A Vital Urgency
More than half of women experiencing homelessness have lived through intimate partner violence. It is often the primary cause of their housing instability. With an average of 1 in 3 women facing domestic violence, and over 50% of homeless women having survived such abuse, Survivors for Survivors is our direct response to break this cycle.
In the face of saturated resources, Ricochet and Women Aware are joining forces to provide support where listening and action meet.
Our Free and Confidential Services:
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Support Line (514 489-1110): Active listening from Monday to Friday (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) to break isolation and provide guidance to the right resources.
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Individual Support and Peer Aid: Personalized meetings with volunteers who have shared lived experiences, offering tailored support (via video, text or in person).
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Customized Safety Plan: Strategic advice and support to help women develop a plan to safely leave dangerous situations.
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Emergency Shelter and Mobility: Access to a temporary bed at the Ricochet Center (reservation required before 3 p.m.) and shuttle services or bus tickets for essential travel.
Seniors Project
Dignity, care and stability for our elders
Responding to an Invisible Emergency
The aging of the population experiencing homelessness is an increasingly concerning reality in the West Island. These individuals, often struggling with chronic health issues and reduced mobility, face systemic obstacles in accessing care and housing.
The Seniors Project was born from this urgency: to offer a glimmer of hope and tailored support to restore stability and dignity to those whose vulnerability is amplified by age. Because a roof is not enough, we are building a community.
A Holistic Approach:
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A Safe and Adapted Space: Our facilities are designed without stairs (universal accessibility) to ensure the comfort and safety of seniors with reduced mobility.
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Direct Access to Essential Care: Thanks to our partnerships with Doctors of the World and the Proxi team (CIUSSS), healthcare professionals provide regular medical follow-ups and consultations directly on-site.
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Rebuilding Social Ties: To break isolation, we cultivate human connection through arts and crafts workshops, community gardening, volunteering and shared moments (gentle yoga, meditation, board games).
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A Bridge to the Future: Personalized support to navigate administrative procedures (social assistance, legal aid) and find sustainable housing solutions.
Our Commitment
To provide a tailored and profoundly human opportunity to bounce back, placing well-being and respect at the heart of every intervention.
Youth Project
Breaking the cycle of precariousness, building autonomy
A Generation at a Crossroads
The numbers do not lie: since November 2024, 40% of the individuals welcomed at the Ricochet Center are young adults aged 18 to 34. Faced with this reality, we refuse to stand idly by. To survive, many young people in situations of extreme precariousness are pushed toward risky paths.
Our mission is clear: to offer a space to land, reflect, and rebuild one’s identity as a full citizen. We intervene early to prevent homelessness from becoming a permanent way of life.
Intensive and Tailored Support:
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Shelter and Safety: A 24/7 refuge where young people can catch their breath away from the violence and exploitation of the street.
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Empowerment and Responsibilities: Concrete workshops on tenant rights and duties, conflict prevention and managing a first budget.
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Individualized Psychosocial Support: Close follow-up to identify professional or academic aspirations and remove barriers to integration.
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Access to Sustainable Housing: Active assistance in apartment hunting to transform a temporary stay into long-term stability.
Our Commitment
To equip the next generation with kindness and determination, reducing the risks associated with homelessness and fostering a future where every young person has a place.
PRISM
Mental Health and Homelessness Re-affiliation Program
PRISM is a transitional housing program (up to 4 months) designed for individuals living with mental health challenges. Born from a unique partnership between Ricochet and the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, it provides a stable environment to foster recovery, access to active care and guidance toward sustainable housing.
Services and Facilities:
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Capacity: 8 spots | 4 semi-private rooms (2 beds per room).
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Common Areas: Laundry, computer room, TV lounge and cafeteria. Shared bathrooms and showers.
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Nutrition: 3 nutritious meals and 2 snacks per day, prepared on-site by our kitchen team.
Interdisciplinary Team:
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CIUSSS de l'Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal:
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1 full-time psychosocial worker
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1 psychiatrist (1 day / week)
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1 nurse (2 days / week)
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Ricochet: 4 dedicated PRISM psychosocial workers
Why PRISM?
In the West Island, homelessness is often invisible, but the needs are glaring.
A significant portion of our beneficiaries cope with complex mental health issues. PRISM responds to this urgency through an integrated approach:
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A structured and secure clinical framework.
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Psychiatric care accessible directly on-site.
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An integrated, humanized and culturally adapted approach.
PRISM builds an essential bridge between the street, specialized care and residential stability.