By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
In an innovative step towards addressing mental health needs, Mon Shack unveiled ‘Mon Shack 2.0’ at a Dec. 19 press conference, a pioneering facility that promises to revolutionize mental health care in Quebec. This new establishment will offer 22 affordable housing units, specifically designed to support individuals of all ages grappling with mental health challenges. The facility is not just a housing complex; it’s a beacon of hope, fostering a bilingual living environment and incorporating the groundbreaking Espace Univers-Shack living-lab.
The initiative, as detailed in a press release, and marking a unique model in the province, has been realized with an investment exceeding $5.9 million, part of the Second Canada-Quebec Agreement for the Rapid Housing Creation Initiative. Tenants of Mon Shack 2.0 will also benefit from the Société d’Habitation du Québec (SHQ) Rent Supplement Program, ensuring affordability and accessibility. This financial assistance, potentially amounting to nearly $2.5 million over the next 20 years, is largely supported by the SHQ and the City of Sherbrooke.
Mon Shack, which began its journey in 2013, celebrated its tenth anniversary by opening the doors of Mon Shack 2.0. Reflecting on its progress, Mon Shack’s first building was launched in 2018, five years after its inception. The organization was a trailblazer in the Estrie region, offering affordable housing, bilingual professional intervention services for young adults aged 18-35, and inclusive activities promoting social integration.
The Espace Univers-Shack, a key feature of Mon Shack 2.0, epitomizes innovation in mental health service delivery, research, and development. This living-lab initiative is the fruit of a collaborative effort between Mon Shack, Bishop’s University, and the University of Sherbrooke, aimed at enriching mental health services and fostering community engagement.
In an effort to further community involvement and promote mental well-being, Mon Shack invites the public to participate in free workshops and social activities. These initiatives are geared towards enhancing collective mental health and fostering a sense of belonging among residents.
Mon Shack also announced an exciting opportunity to contribute to this noble cause. On March 22, 2024, a gourmet fundraising dinner will be held, offering an evening of fine dining, cocktails, music, and a silent auction. This event is not just a fundraiser but an occasion to celebrate community spirit and support mental health initiatives. Tickets for this event can be acquired by scanning a designated QR code.
Press conference
Presiding over the press conference celebrating the launch of Mon Shack 2.0 was its founder and executive director, Josée Parent. Over 50 people attended, including Mon Shack tenants and staff, local politicians, Bishop’s University professors and staff, local media, and other interested parties. Various notable attendees took turns speaking.
After thanking everyone for being there, Parent described Mon Shack 2.0 and emphasized it is for people of all ages and offers services in both official languages.
“Formidable!” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, MP for Compton-Stanstead. “It was a dream, and it has been realized.” She insisted it was everyone’s obligation to help keep things going; the construction of the building was a governmental priority. Parent is a “guardian angel”, she said, for those who are facing mental health challenges and need and affordable place to live.
St-Francois MNA Geneviève Hébert noted that Parent has been tenacious and persistent in her guiding of the project, a project unique in Quebec. Mon Shack enables its tenants to develop their potential and participate in society like everyone else. The bilingual services Mon Shack provides mirror the bilingual character, and “richness”, of the region.
Sherbrooke’s Acting Mayor Raïs Kibonge noted the project was very important to Sherbrooke Mayor Évelyne Beaudin, who is currently on leave at the suggestion of her doctor. The project enables the community to strengthen their empathy and practice taking care of each other. Of behalf of the City of Sherbrooke, he said they are proud to have funded and contributed the land for this new endeavour.
Claude Charron, Lennoxville Borough President, recounted the first presentation Parent made to the Lennoxville Town Council for the initial Mon Shack. He remembered her as exuding determination and dedication. He extolled the positive impact the new lodgings would have on the Lennoxville community and hopes it will foster community participation. He insisted this was a perfect example of cooperation between the different levels of government involved.
Parent, holding back tears, then introduced “Anthony”, a Mon Shack tenant. For Anthony, Mon Shack is a place that destigmatizes mental health issues. It is a place to reestablish oneself and maintain autonomy in a stable environment. It is important not to work against one’s mental health problems, but understand them and live with them. The support from the Mon Shack team allows one to pursue one’s life projects and persist.
After the conference, Parent emphasized Lennoxville was the perfect place for Mon Shack 2.0, because of its bilingualism and tight-knit community. Guided tours of the new building were then given by a Mon Shack staff member.