On June 19, 2026, Robert Monette, who had been living on the streets, moved into a newly available subsidized apartment in Montreal, Quebec, under a city‑run housing project designed for people transitioning out of homelessness.
The project comprises 18 apartments that the municipality has made available with rent subsidies. Each unit is paired with free on‑site counseling intended to help former homeless residents adjust to permanent housing and access support services.
City officials say the initiative aims to provide stable housing and a supportive environment, reducing the risk of returning to the streets. By offering both financial assistance for rent and counseling, the program seeks to address the immediate need for shelter while also tackling underlying challenges that can impede long‑term stability.
For Monette, the move marks a shift from uncertainty to a more secure living situation. The availability of a subsidized unit and the promise of counseling represent a concrete step toward rebuilding his life in Montreal.
The 18‑unit scheme is part of a broader municipal effort to expand affordable housing options for those leaving homelessness. The approach combines housing with on‑site services, reflecting a model that other cities have adopted to improve outcomes for vulnerable residents.
The city’s housing program operates by allocating rent subsidies directly to landlords of the 18 units, ensuring that tenants like Monette pay a reduced amount based on income. In addition, counselors on the premises are available to address issues such as budgeting, employment search, and health care navigation, aiming to prevent a relapse into homelessness.
Since its launch, the initiative has been positioned as a component of Montreal’s effort to address homelessness through permanent‑solution housing, though specific occupancy numbers have not been disclosed. The inclusion of counseling alongside financial assistance reflects a holistic approach that city planners hope will improve long‑term outcomes for participants.