Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

In a landmark effort to support the homeless population in the Outaouais region, Réhabex, a
social rehabilitation organization, has launched an innovative initiative: the Réhabus. This
mobile assistance centre, uniquely designed to provide essential services to the homeless, was
unveiled on Friday during a gathering of community supporters and local dignitaries.

The Réhabus is no ordinary bus. Fitted with showers, laundry facilities, a snack area, and
private spaces for confidential consultations, it aims to restore dignity and provide crucial
support to the region’s homeless population. Over the next three years, the Réhabus will travel
to strategic locations throughout Gatineau, including the Guertin site, delivering its vital services
directly to those in need.

Patrick Pilon, CEO of Réhabex, spoke passionately at the launch event, highlighting the
pressing issues of homelessness and the need for basic services. “In our community, there are
still individuals who lack access to fundamental necessities like showers and laundry facilities,”
Pilon said. “The Réhabus is our response to this urgent need, offering dignity and hope to those
who are often overlooked.”

The Réhabus project is ambitious, with annual operating costs estimated at $275,000. The initial
investment for the bus and its modifications amounted to approximately $160,000. Funding and
support have come from a variety of sources, including Dilawri Auto, Devcore, the City of
Gatineau, CISSSO, and numerous local businesses and individuals. These contributions
underscore the community’s commitment to tackling homelessness.

The launch event was attended by several political figures, reflecting broad-based support for
the initiative. Among them were Suzanne Tremblay, MNA for Hull, Mathieu Lévesque, MNA for
Chapleau, and Steve Moran, Councillor for the District of Hull-Wright, as well as Mario Aubé,
Councillor for the District of Masson-Angers. Julie Gervais attended on behalf of Steven
MacKinnon, MP for Gatineau, further signifying the project’s importance.

“We are thrilled to have the backing of our political leaders,” Pilon noted. “Their presence here
today is a powerful endorsement of the Réhabus and its mission to provide essential services to
those in need.”

The Réhabus will not only operate within Gatineau but will also extend its services to Pontiac,
Petite-Nation, and Maniwaki, starting next Monday. The bus is expected to facilitate over 3,500
interventions annually, encompassing everything from basic hygiene services to employability
and alternative justice support. This wide-ranging approach aims to address both immediate
needs and long-term rehabilitation.

Pilon extended heartfelt thanks to key partners and contributors who made the Réhabus
possible. Notable mentions included Karine Chatel from Gîte Ami, with special recognition given​
to Guy Paquet for his plumbing expertise and Impression Turbo Printing for their graphic design
work.

The event’s atmosphere was charged with optimism and a sense of collective purpose. Pilon
acknowledged the invaluable contributions of his team and the broader community, emphasizing
that the Réhabus is a project “for the community, by the community.”

Photo: Community leaders gathered in Gatineau to support the launch of Réhabex’s Réhabus, a
mobile assistance centre providing essential services to the homeless in the Outaouais region.
(TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo