By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
A homeless person was recently removed from in front of the former Sebby’s restaurant on Queen Street in Lennoxville, raising concerns among locals. Additionally, reports have surfaced of a homeless couple living nearby, further highlighting the growing issue of homelessness in the area. This situation reflects a larger trend observed throughout Lennoxville and Sherbrooke, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Claude Charron, Borough President of Lennoxville, noted in a Sept. 23 interview that homelessness in the area has become more visible in recent years, with calls from concerned citizens becoming more frequent. “We get about four or five calls a year about people on their grounds,” Charron said. “COVID really created the situation, with everything closing, people started to move around, and it spread out until we started seeing them in Lennoxville.” He mentioned that while the pandemic was a turning point, homelessness is not a new issue.
Despite the visibility of the problem, solutions remain elusive. Charron explained that the borough relies heavily on the police for handling such situations. “The police will move them, but what really happens is they just move elsewhere,” he said. “It’s a no-end situation.” He provided specific examples, such as homeless individuals being moved from areas like between the buildings near the former Sebby’s restaurant and along the Samuel-Gratham bike trail behind Motel La Marquise. Police often only respond when complaints are filed by concerned residents. “If the police don’t get complaints, they don’t do anything about it because there’s no solution to this,” Charron explained.
He emphasized that homelessness is not just a local issue but a national problem. As a board member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, he is aware of similar challenges across the country. “We’re discussing different things to do between municipalities. I know they just built a new building in Val d’Or, but they couldn’t open it because they couldn’t get insurance. The intention is good, but the bureaucracy is so heavy,” he said.
Tahnie Parent, a social intervener for La Chaudronnée de l’Estrie, shed light on the struggles faced by homeless individuals in the region in a same day conversation. “The lack of affordable housing is a huge issue,” Parent said. She highlighted that while there are resources available, accessing them can be challenging for many. “It’s very hard to get out of this situation because it takes so much management, and I’m not sure people have the capacity to navigate that,” Parent explained.
Services such as access to food and hygiene are also limited. “There’s a laundry service and showers, but we don’t judge anyone. Everyone is welcome here,” Parent said, talking about her own organization. She also explained that La Chaudronnée de l’Estrie provides additional support by allowing people to use their address to receive mail, ensuring they can access social assistance and other vital services. “We try to link them with other organizations that can help,” she said. “But it’s minimal.”
Parent noted that community policing efforts have increased in response to homelessness. Officers regularly visit encampments to check on people and make sure they are prepared for the coming winter, often guiding them toward the limited available resources. However, despite these efforts, there is no dedicated shelter in Lennoxville. “There’s no shelter, no real place for them to stay,” Parent insisted.
Both Charron and Parent expressed concern about the broader implications of homelessness on public safety and the community’s perception. Charron shared that some residents feel insecure due to the presence of homeless individuals. “Technically, the citizens are insecure because they think they’re dangerous,” he said, although he was quick to clarify that most homeless individuals pose no threat. “You can’t generalize. It just takes one person to ruin the perception.”
Charron cited a case where individuals were camping near the Massawippi River, and police only moved them when the landowners expressed fear. “The police will move them if you tell them that you’re scared,” he admitted. He encouraged residents to report such concerns, while emphasizing the importance of balancing security with empathy. “It just makes me think of the guys on Aberdeen Street with their cups, walking into traffic. It’s totally dangerous, but people give [and it keeps them coming] right back.”
The situation becomes more complicated with mental health issues playing a significant role in homelessness. “It’s mental health most of the time,” Charron acknowledged. Parent echoed this sentiment, pointing out that many individuals experiencing homelessness do not want to use the services available. “They don’t want to live in a house. They want to be free,” Charron said, adding that it’s important for the public to understand the complexities of mental health when considering homelessness.
Both Charron and Parent agree that more needs to be done at the provincial and federal levels to address the issue. Charron mentioned that while the police and social services collaborate to some extent, the issue requires a more coordinated and compassionate approach. “It’s not our jurisdiction,” he said, explaining the limitations of municipal government in tackling such a pervasive problem. “But it’s a national issue. We need a more comprehensive strategy.”
Parent pointed out that while there are initiatives to address homelessness, they often fall short due to a lack of long-term support. “We do what we can, but it’s not enough,” she said. Her hope is that increased awareness will lead to better resources and a more sustainable approach to helping those in need.
As Lennoxville continues to grapple with the challenges of homelessness, both officials and social workers like Charron and Parent remain committed to finding solutions, but they acknowledge the difficulties. “It’s not an easy task,” Charron concluded. “But we’re working on it, and we hope that the community continues to support efforts to provide aid and find long-term solutions for these individuals.”
In the meantime, Lennoxville residents are encouraged to remain compassionate and to reach out to local authorities if they encounter individuals in distress. While the problem may not have an immediate solution, raising awareness and providing support are steps in the right direction.