Tania Charron

Ricochet opens new location for West Island’s homeless

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Ricochet, the West Island’s only homeless shelter, reopened at a new location this past Monday following the abrupt closure that took place at the end of May.The shelter was waiting for its new permanent location set for January, when it was ordered to vacate the premises at its previous temporary location which caused 48 shelter users to be back out on the street.

Tania Charron, the executive director of Ricochet, was devastated for her clients and pulled in the resources to provide them with backpacks, bus tickets and as many supplies as possible that she could gather with a two-week notice. Ricochet staff remained in contact to the best of their ability with shelter users while Charron worked tirelessly to find a new temporary location. After weeks of meetings with public and private landlords, city officials and real estate professionals, Charron was able to pull it off. “This is a huge relief, I can finally sleep better knowing that we can accomplish our mission. For me it was a tragedy, so knowing that we can open a 24/7 program that will have an impact on the lives of people is so important,” Charron told The Suburban.

The Montreal Ignatian Spirituality Centre agreed to rent their building to Ricochet for a year, as the previous tenants, a successful YMCA program for Ukrainian refugees in transition, has recently vacated the premises.

The new temporary Ricochet Centre will be located at 9451 Boulevard Gouin West in Pierrefonds. The beautiful grounds surrounding the building, that was originally designed for a Jesuit monastery, will give shelter users additional comfort during their stay. “Our new temporary location will be a true haven, allowing Ricochet beneficiaries to rest and recharge,” Charron said. “The large wooded area by the water, combined with better-adapted facilities, including a kitchen, cafeteria, and more showers, will perfectly meet our needs.”

Ricochet’s 24/7 shelter service will allow beneficiaries to rest, eat, shower, wash their clothes, and be redirected to other specialized services as needed. They will also receive support and guidance from psychosocial workers, a practice that is at the heart of the organization. With 48 permanent beds at the Ricochet Centre, the shelter not only provides a roof but also helps vulnerable people and veterans reintegrate into society by offering a stable environment, psychosocial support, and guidance towards housing stability.

Shuttle and social mediation services remain in place to facilitate access to Ricochet’s services and promote harmonious relationships in the community.

“We knew that the Ricochet Centre wouldn’t be closed for long because our organization is known for achieving the impossible,” Charron said. n

AJOI to relocate to improved facility in Pierrefonds

Local Journalism Initiative / The Suburban / April 27, 2024 / Hockey Helps the Homeless, Ricochet, Smith Vigeant Architectes, Tania Charron

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Ricochet (Accommodation/Homes) announced its relocation plans slated to take place at the start of 2025, remaining faithful to its commitment to people in situations of residential instability and homelessness in the West Island of Montreal and surrounding areas. The new location will remain in Pierrefonds-Roxboro, but with increased accessibility to public transport in order to facilitate access to its beneficiaries.

Ricochet general manager Tania Charron told The Suburban that the establishment will maintain its 48 spaces to accommodate the centre’s users. “Twenty-four beds will continue to be available for emergency sheltering and twenty-four beds for our medium term program which includes the daytime services where people can stay for a few months to develop a plan of action with support of social workers will also remain available, all with easier access by transport.”

Charron says that despite the many challenges the Ricochet centre has faced, the organization remains committed to its mission. “We are determined to continue to help vulnerable people and with even greater dedication. The location, which will be revealed closer to the opening date, will also be adapted to meet the needs specific to Ricochet,” Charron explained.

The organization is working with Smith Vigeant Architectes to create a space that will not only allow the organization to maintain its existing services, but also to develop new and inclusive ones.“We are eager to create a place where every individual will be able to step back and have the opportunity to bounce back, in an environment that promotes respect and dignity for all,” Charron said.

The relocation and renovation project was made possible thanks to a donation of $150,000 from Hockey Helps the Homeless (HHTH) — one of Ricochet‘s major financial supporters since 2017. Additional funds will be collected during HHTH’s hockey tournament scheduled for April 12 at the Pierrefonds arena.

Desjardins Caisse de l’Ouest-de-l’Île donated $40,000 towards the construction of an optimal kitchen to allow the organization to serve quality meals while providing a spacious and ergonomic space where beneficiaries can participate in the kitchen activities. Partage-Action de l’Ouest-de-l’Île donated $30,000 for general renovations of the premises to improve the overall environment of the centre. Paquette & Associés Avocats donated $5,000 for the renovation of the rooms of the beneficiaries.

“In this incessant tumult of challenges and obstacles, the sustained commitment of partners who recognize our work, revives our hope. Their compassion towards the vulnerable people of the community strengthens our determination to pursue our mission with even greater vigour,” Charron said. n

AJOI to relocate to improved facility in Pierrefonds Read More »