The Government of Quebec is trying to help poor families who are homeless or lack housing from time to time, and with the approach of July 1st, when many Quebec residents change their homes.

Yesterday, Tuesday, the provincial government announced an increase in the budget for services it allocates to individuals who find themselves homeless from $5.2 million last year to $7.8 million this year.

This amount particularly covers assistance services for housing searches and allows for compensation of some costs that families incur in finding temporary housing.

Families will also be supported in the costs of storing or moving their belongings.

It is noted that on July 1, 2023, about 700 families across the province found themselves without a lease. This year, finding housing is expected to be complicated due to the housing crisis and extremely low vacancy rates.

We are following the approach we adopted last year, meaning that starting in January we launched an awareness campaign,” said Quebec Housing Minister, France-Élaine Duranceau, at a press conference.

Duranceau explained that as part of this campaign, tenants were told that if they decided to leave their residence on July 1, they should start looking for another place immediately, and they were advised not to leave their home unless necessary.

The minister Duranceau wants residents to be aware of the available assistance services.

Among these services is making the program that allows for housing for low-income individuals more flexible, which reduces waiting lists.

We are working to accelerate the process for those in need, whose names are on our lists, who have suitable housing, and whom we can support,” explained Dani Caron, the general director of the Municipal Housing Office in Quebec City, regarding the Quebec Rent Supplement Program (PSL) that allows eligible individuals to pay rent equal to 25% of their household income.

For her part, Nicole Dion, coordinator of the "Office of Housing Recovery and Information in Greater Quebec" (BAIL), commented that the government “added some amounts to existing programs.” “There is nothing new today,” added the official from this community organization.

Minister Duranceau acknowledged in a press conference that the real solution to the housing crisis lies in increasing supply, adding that measures have been taken to accelerate construction. However, she reminded that there are assistance programs to support families. “You must contact us,” said Duranceau.

But Dion is concerned about the future. “Tenants will cling to their leases,” Dion anticipates, adding that those who will seek housing this year will be those who will have no options and that the lack of options may force them to accept all conditions.