Photo by William Crooks
Community members participate in the solidarity march from the Hôtel de Ville to Marché de la Gare, raising awareness about homelessness issues in Sherbrooke.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

On Oct. 18, the Table Itinérance de Sherbrooke (TIS) hosted its 23rd annual “Nuit des sans-abri”, an event aimed at raising awareness about homelessness, social exclusion, and poverty in the region. The event, themed “100 Faces, One Home,” took place at Marché de la Gare, gathering community members, volunteers, and organizers to show solidarity and call for action.

Gabriel Pallotta, coordinator of the TIS, opened the event’s press conference by welcoming attendees and acknowledging the community’s support. “We are lucky in Sherbrooke to have this level of support,” Pallotta noted, referring to the city’s assistance in providing equipment for the event. He expressed gratitude to volunteers and community partners who helped organize the activities, which included Indigenous workshops, hot beverages, and food prepared by local groups.

The event commenced with a solidarity march from the Hôtel de Ville, demonstrating community commitment to addressing the growing homelessness crisis. By 6 p.m., attendees gathered at the Marché de la Gare for the official opening. The evening featured various activities such as open mic sessions, music, and artistic initiatives like the Les Ruches d’Art, an interactive art hive for participants to engage in creative expression.

Andréa Verreault, president of the board of the TIS, delivered a poignant message highlighting the pressing need for concrete action. She emphasized that despite past efforts, the homelessness crisis has only intensified, and current government support remains insufficient. “The bathtub is overflowing, and all we have is a tiny yellow shovel to deal with it,” Verreault stated.

Verreault outlined several demands from the TIS, stressing the importance of year-round access to essential services like clean water and sanitary facilities. She also called for increased financial support for social housing initiatives and a long-term commitment from the government to ensure effective and sustainable solutions. “Give us the funds and programs, and we’ll adapt our services accordingly,” Verreault urged, advocating for flexibility in government policies to better meet the needs of the homeless population.

The theme for this year’s “Nuit des sans-abri”, “100 Faces,” was chosen to illustrate the diverse experiences and realities of homelessness in Sherbrooke. According to organizers, the event aimed to highlight that homelessness affects people from various walks of life, including individuals who may not fit the traditional image of a person experiencing homelessness. As Verreault noted during her speech, the portrait of homelessness has diversified significantly, making it essential for the community to recognize and respond to the complex challenges faced by different groups.

The night offered a safe space for sharing stories, engaging in dialogue, and building connections among community members. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in the “Le temps d’une poutine” discussion dinner, where they enjoyed food from a local food truck while exchanging thoughts and experiences on the issue of homelessness. The open mic sessions allowed participants to express themselves through music and testimony, providing a platform for people to voice their concerns and experiences.

Both Allison Guillette Jones and Daïve Lecouter, the spokespersons for the event, actively engaged with participants throughout the evening. They participated in discussions and led some of the artistic and cultural activities aimed at fostering a sense of community and solidarity. The bonfire, set up behind the food truck, provided a warm gathering spot for attendees to share stories and reflect on the evening’s messages.

A press release distributed at the event elaborated on the main objectives and demands of the TIS. The organization urged the government to adjust social assistance benefits to match the actual cost of living, emphasizing that these benefits should be accompanied by personalized and adapted services to aid those in difficult situations. Verreault highlighted that without such support, it is nearly impossible for individuals to improve their circumstances. “No one can make ends meet on $770 a month,” she stressed, reinforcing the need for adequate and meaningful financial aid.

The press release also outlined the group’s call for more funding in social housing, emphasizing that these initiatives should empower community-led, cooperative projects. This approach, they argue, would help promote the autonomy of organizations and the diversity of housing options available. The TIS advocated for loosening regulations tied to rent supplement programs, asserting that these measures should not undermine social housing projects but instead complement them. A balance between the two, they claimed, is essential for the long-term alleviation of housing insecurity.

The final set of demands focused on a shift in government strategy. The organization pressed for long-term plans and flexible policies that address the evolving realities on the ground. Verreault and Pallotta called for a commitment beyond seasonal or temporary measures, urging the government to invest in sustainable solutions that align with the expertise and needs of community organizations. “We need resources and programs that allow us to adapt services effectively. Don’t impose a rigid ideology that doesn’t fit the real situations we encounter,” Verreault argued during the press conference.

As the night unfolded, Pallotta reiterated the importance of events like “Nuit des sans-abri” in keeping the dialogue alive and pushing for systemic change. “These are messages we’re trying to convey to all levels of government,” he said. “We hope that, eventually, the message will get through.” The event concluded with an open invitation for community members to continue advocating for the rights and dignity of the homeless population.

Despite the challenges highlighted during the event, the atmosphere remained hopeful, with organizers expressing optimism about future collaborative efforts. The TIS and its partners aim to continue their work, building on the momentum from this year’s “Nuit des sans-abri” to advocate for comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of homelessness in Sherbrooke. The group’s next steps will focus on ensuring the government meets its obligations to provide sustainable and humane support for vulnerable populations.