Centraide of Greater Montreal award

By Dan Laxer
The Suburban

Ricochet was founded in 2017. It is the only organization offering housing solutions and support to individuals experiencing residential instability in the West Island of Montreal. The organization was recognized recently with a Centraide of Greater Montreal award.

The Solidaires Awards cover several categories – Social Relevance, Social Transformation, Collaboration, Evaluation, Management and Governance, and Citizen Engagement.

Ricochet was awarded the Solidaire Social Relevance, which “recognizes concrete actions implemented to address current or emerging issues related to poverty and social exclusion, particularly concerning historically marginalized groups.”

The shelter is located on Gouin Blvd in the Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough. People experiencing homelessness on the West Island have not had traditional access to proper resources. Ricochet provides a one-of-a-kind shelter: it is the first – and only – inclusive, mixed-gender shelter in the region. It’s doors are open day and night to 70 people who get much more than just a roof over their heads. Ricochet serves three hot meals a day, provides psychosocial support, and a safe space for those looking for a fresh start.

The award is part of Centraide’s 51st fundraising campaign, which brought in $71.3 million. Claude Pinard, president and executive director of Centraide of Greater Montreal, says the campaign came at “a crucial time for our society, when the geography of poverty is changing. Costs for basic needs like housing and food are increasing and creating greater vulnerability along with a plethora of other social challenges. The results of this campaign show how much we can accomplish when we tap into our collective desire to do more and tackle these challenges together.” n