Projets autochtones du Qubec constructing shelter in Montreal for aboriginal community

A Montreal shelter specifically adapted tothe needs of theaboriginal communityis slated to open in March 2016 to the tune of $7 million.

Organizers of the project said that it was difficultto find a location in the city.

Radio-Canada reportedthat ProjetsAutochtones du Qubecconsidered37 different locations before finding a piece of land in the Ville-Marie borough. The organization is expanding a shelter that already exists.

Construction has already started at thede laGauchetireStreet location,locatedtwo steps away from the CHUM.

The project has received support from both Mayor Denis Coderre and the opposition Projet Montral.

Centre will offer emergency support and transition space

"With this new project, men and women will be on different floors, with a communal space," saidAdrienne Campbell, director of theProjets autochtones du Qubec.

The centre will be able to accommodateabout 70 people at a time double the number it could previously hold.

It will offer bothovernight emergency services and transition spaces for those who need time to get back on their feet.

"There will be more services adapted to their culture, to their knowledge and their way of life," Campbell said.

Homelessness on the rise

According to Matthew Pearce, head of the Old Brewery Mission, there's a growing number of homeless people who areaboriginal in Montreal.

He saidInuit people who comefrom the north to seek medical services in the citysometimesdon'tmake it back to to their communities.

"We have to adapt services so that they are at their best and so that they speed up getting them off the street to rehabilitation," Pearce said.