In solidarity with the downtrodden, dozens participated in activities, provided food and stayed out until dawn at a downtown Montreal campout aimed at addressing the ramifications of poverty and undeveloped social programs, Friday night.
The 23rd annual Nuit des sans-abris (night for the homeless) took place in 27 different municipalities across the province including Valleyfield, Quebec City, Sherbrooke and Laval, to emphasize the issues transients face. Last year, the movement reached 25 cities and it is held every third Friday of the month of October.
Every meeting point provided food, music, lectures and information kiosques regarding the effects of indigence throughout a 12-hour span. The objective of the initiative is not to raise money but to raise awareness and show support for those unable to support themselves.
The rainy night began at Square Phillips before continuing to Amherst Park, located on the corner of Ste-Catherine St. and Amherst St., where individuals gathered for a few hours of food and entertainment before a contingent moved north to the Comité social Centre-Sud for the rest of the night.
In the early evening, two individuals known only as Alexandre and Émilie addressed a small crowd with a letter about the struggles they face living life on the street.
“Everyday I have to look for food,” said Alexandre. “Everyday I have to look for a place to sleep.”
Émilie emphasized that those without shelter or financial aid who had fallen on hard times, need the help of the city and support of those around them.
“We all have the right to dignity and to be happy,” she said.
In 2006, according to Statistics Canada, approximately 4,170 individuals in Quebec sought comfort in shelters. This includes shelters for abused women and children, for the homeless, and other shelters that offer assistance services. The street population is also overwhelmingly male. In a survey of more than 4,000 street youth conducted by the Public Health Agency of Canada in 2007, a ratio of approximately two males to about one female was reported for all age demographics.
Paul Kabamakuzth, a student visiting from France, volunteered with the organization for the evening by giving out small grey felt cloths rolled and tied with a red ribbon to symbolize a blanket, and the lack of shelter for the homeless.
“I think it’s important to make people open their eyes about homelessness,” said Kabamakuzth. “I think they don’t realize how important it is.”
Organizations like Dans La Rue brought hot meals to supporters and the homeless who settled in for a long, cold night before having breakfast served at 6 a.m. by the centre.
Bernard St-Jacques, media relations co-ordinator for the event, said the expansion of the event strengthens the cause.
“It’s so original to do a night like this,” said St-Jacques. “It’s a good way of showing solidarity because it’s 27 cities.”
Many supporters wore the red square, the symbolic emblem of the student conflict over the tuition fee increase and fiscal management of post-secondary institutions, in solidarity with students. According to St-Jacques, the notion of mobilization is linked to the student movement and many impoverished individuals identify with students.
