Janie Lefebvre, Magog outreach worker. Photo Courtesy
Magog outreach worker talks rising problem, potential solutions
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Memphremagog Lake area has witnessed a dramatic surge in homelessness interventions over the past several years, underscoring a growing crisis exacerbated by soaring housing costs and economic instability.
Community Outreach Worker Janie Lefebvre, who has been dedicated to homelessness prevention in the Magog area for seven years, offers a unique and insightful perspective on this crisis. In a July 23 interview, she explained the multifaceted nature of homelessness and the evolving challenges faced by those affected.
According to recent data provided by Lefebvre, the number of interventions has skyrocketed from 15 between April, 2016, and March, 2017, to 511 from April, 2023, to March, 2024. This represents a staggering increase of 3,307 per cent.
“Pre-pandemic, there was homelessness in Magog, but it was more hidden,” Lefebvre noted. “People were staying on friends’ couches or in unstable living conditions. Today, it’s much more visible, and we’re seeing a broader range of people impacted, from families to the elderly, and even individuals who are employed but can’t find affordable housing.”
Lefebvre highlighted that the face of homelessness has changed significantly. “I’m getting calls from women as much as men, and from people who are working yet struggling to find a place to live because of the exorbitant rent prices,” she said. According to Lefebvre, in Magog, the average rent for an apartment has surged to $1,500, a rate previously associated with luxury condominiums.
The economic strain is evident in the increasing demand for emergency and transitional housing. Lefebvre shared that the community’s resource centre, which offers temporary housing for both men and women, is perpetually full. “We have six beds right now, and they are always occupied. The demand is incredibly high.”
The issue of “renovictions”—landlords evicting tenants under the guise of renovations to subsequently raise rents—has also become prevalent in the region. “I’ve seen many cases where landlords use renovations as a reason to evict tenants, only to double the rent afterward,” Lefebvre explained.
Addressing the housing crisis requires more than just emergency measures. Lefebvre advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes building more affordable housing and ensuring that rental prices remain within reach for the average resident. “Affordable housing should constitute 25 to 30 per cent of one’s salary,” she emphasized. “Right now, we’re far from that standard.”
Despite the grim statistics, Lefebvre remains hopeful that increased awareness and community efforts can drive meaningful change. “We need more resources, more emergency housing, and more transitional housing,” she said. “It’s about creating stability and giving people a chance to get back on their feet.”
Lefebvre also stressed the importance of community support and compassion. “Something as simple as making eye contact and smiling at someone experiencing homelessness can make a significant difference. It’s a dehumanizing experience, and small gestures of kindness can help restore dignity.”
The rise in homelessness is not isolated to Magog but reflects a broader trend across the Eastern Townships and Quebec. “In Cowansville and other parts of Quebec, we’re seeing similar patterns,” Lefebvre pointed out. “The housing crisis is widespread, and it’s affecting communities everywhere.”
Lefebvre’s work extends beyond direct intervention with the homeless population. She also focuses on preventing homelessness by assisting those at risk. “I get calls from people whose leases are ending, who are going through separations, or who are facing other crises that put them at risk of becoming homeless,” she said. “I help them find apartments and resources to prevent them from ending up on the streets.”
In July 2020, a new resource was established in Magog to provide additional support. The facility offers emergency housing with a maximum stay of three months, catering separately to men and women. It also includes transitional housing where individuals can stay for up to six months at a subsidized rate. “This initiative has been crucial in providing immediate relief to those in dire situations,” Lefebvre stated.
However, the struggle for funding remains a significant obstacle. “We don’t have recurring financing for our housing programs. Every year, we have to find new funding sources to keep these critical services running,” Lefebvre explained. “It’s a constant challenge and one that limits our ability to expand our services to meet the growing demand.”
The winter months and the period leading up to July 1, when many leases end, have traditionally been the busiest times for homelessness interventions. However, Lefebvre observed that the crisis has now become a year-round issue. “It’s been like this for a few years, and it just keeps getting busier every year. More and more calls as the rent prices keep going up and up,” she said.
To combat this crisis effectively, Lefebvre reiterated that a multi-faceted approach is necessary. “We need more emergency and transitional housing, more affordable apartments, and better funding for homelessness prevention programs,” she said. “Building more affordable housing is essential, but we also need to ensure that a portion of units in new developments are set aside at lower prices.”
Spreading awareness and fostering community involvement are also key components of the solution. “By talking about the issue and spreading awareness, we can help reduce the stigma around homelessness and encourage more community support,” Lefebvre emphasized. “We have many resources in our community, such as food banks and support services, but people need to be aware of them and know how to access them.”
Nevertheless, Lefebvre offered a message of hope and resilience. “The situation is challenging, but with increased awareness, community support, and adequate funding, we can make a difference. It’s about giving people a chance to rebuild their lives and ensuring that everyone has a safe, stable place to call home.”