Heat waves and homelessness: we are all concerned!

Montreal, July 19, 2022 — The season for heat waves, like the cold season, has a greater impact on people who are homeless yet need to protect themselves from the heat. The situation is even more difficult for homeless people with health or dependency problems.   

This summer, while we await the implementation of permanent solutions proposed to the government that would reduce emergency situations during heat waves, the Old Brewery Mission, whose vocation is to help people experiencing homelessness, will continue to offer:   

• Welcoming, air-conditioned locations:   

– The Keurig® Mission Café, located at 906 St. Laurent Blvd., welcoming men and women from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily; 

-The Patricia Mackenzie Pavilion, located at 1301 de Maisonneuve Blvd. East, welcoming women experiencing homelessness; 

• Fresh water at all our facilities; 
• Bottled water when available; 
• An evening shuttle service through the streets of Montreal; 
• Showers; 
• Balanced meals; 
• Psychosocial support; 
• Access to affordable housing services.  

In a spirit of solidarity, if you see someone affected by the heat, offer them water and refer them to nearby resources, such as our emergency services for men and women. 

The Old Brewery Mission also urges those in charge of public places, businesses and other air-conditioned spaces to be more empathetic and tolerant during heat waves. Offering people experiencing homelessness a moment of respite in air-conditioned areas can be crucial in helping them combat this wave of extreme heat.  

We can all make a difference, and every little gesture counts to take care of the most vulnerable.