Ékip Jeunesse announced a new donation drive on July 3, 2026, aimed at supporting young people in Montreal who become homeless after leaving Quebec’s child‑protection system, the Direction de la protection de la jeunesse (DPJ). The initiative, launched by the organization’s director Nancy Audet, seeks contributions from the public to fund assistance programs for this vulnerable population.
Each year roughly 2,000 youths in Quebec transition out of the DPJ. Of those, an estimated 600 end up without stable housing, highlighting a significant gap between the system’s exit process and the availability of safe, affordable accommodation. The high rate of homelessness among former DPJ clients has prompted Ékip Jeunesse to focus its fundraising efforts on preventing that outcome.
The campaign will channel donated money into services designed to keep former DPJ youths off the streets. While specific program details have not been disclosed, the organization emphasizes that the funds will be used to provide immediate and longer‑term assistance to those at risk of homelessness after leaving the protection system. By bolstering resources at a critical transition point, Ékip Jeunesse hopes to reduce the number of young people who find themselves without a roof over their heads.
Nancy Audet, representing Ékip Jeunesse, explained that the organization’s goal is to create a safety net for the 600 youths who currently fall through the cracks each year. She urged community members, businesses, and local institutions to contribute to the cause, noting that collective support can make a tangible difference in the lives of young people navigating the shift from state care to independent living. The fundraiser, open to donations starting immediately, will run throughout the summer months, with progress reports promised to donors as the campaign advances.