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Temporary closure

The Ricochet Center closes its doors temporarily

Reasons for the temporary closure

 

The current lease of the Ricochet Center, located at 5100 avenue du Château-Pierrefonds, expires on May 31, 2024, and cannot be renewed. Despite our sustained efforts and the support of Pierrefonds-Roxboro Borough and the City of Montreal, we have not yet found a space that meets the necessary standards to accommodate our beneficiaries. Until we find a temporary solution, we are unfortunately forced to close the doors of the Ricochet Center.

Efforts and actions taken

 

Since 2021, Ricochet has been working closely with the Borough departments, the economic development commissioner and urban planning services to identify space options in the area.

 

In 2022, our Board of Directors formed a capital committee, which found a permanent space in November 2023, requiring major renovations that are expected to last 6 to 12 months before we can move in.

 

December 2023: We call on CIUSSS de l'Ouest-de-l'Île's community organization team to gather key partners and create a temporary relocation committee, in anticipation of the end of our lease at 5100 avenue du Château-Pierrefonds on March 31, 2024.

 

January 9, 2024: First meeting of the temporary relocation committee.

 

January - March 2024: Several premises are targeted, but no options materialize.

 

March 28, 2024: Creation of a crisis unit comprising Ricochet, the Pierrefonds-Roxboro Borough and the City of Montreal, meeting weekly.

 

End of April 2024: Identification of a surplus City building. Although renovations are required, the partners remain optimistic.

 

May 10, 2024: Discovery of the need to decontaminate the identified building.

 

May 21, 2024: The contamination is too severe to allow the Ricochet Center and its beneficiaries to use the premises.

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May 22, 2024: Arrangements begin for the temporary closure of the Ricochet Center and for our departure from 5100 avenue du Château-Pierrefonds.

Pursuing our mission and actions

 

During the temporary closure of the Ricochet Center, we continue to support our beneficiaries with the following measures:


Housing search: We continue to help our beneficiaries find apartments, providing references and accompanying them through the process.

 

Transition to other resources: With the support of the Outreach Street Workers of Action Jeunesse de l'Ouest-de-l'Île (AJOI), we direct our beneficiaries to housing services and resources adapted to their needs.

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Support: In collaboration with AJOI's workers, we will ensure that each beneficiary is supported during this transitional period. We are available by phone and e-mail for any assistance.

 

Harm reduction: With AJOI's workers, we work on harm reduction to prevent overdoses, among other things.

 

Transportation: Each beneficiary will receive bus tickets to help them with their transportation.

 

Partners: We keep in touch with our various partners to ensure that each beneficiary is taken care of quickly and appropriately according to his or her situation.

7/7 shuttle service: Ricochet's shuttle will run two trips a day, 7 days a week, covering the West Island and Lachine Borough. Services include:

  • Emergency food service;

  • P.O. Box service to provide homeless beneficiaries with a mailing address;

  • Donations of survival kits including a tent, sleeping bag, insulating and waterproof blanket, ground sheet and backpack;

  • Donations of prevention material.

To view the daily routes of Ricochet's shuttle service, please click here.

Search for a new premises

 

Despite the urgency of the situation, we are confident in our ability to quickly find a new temporary location for the Ricochet Center. Thanks to the collaboration of the borough and the city, we firmly believe that our doors will reopen soon. In the meantime, we remain committed to our mission of supporting people experiencing homelessness and residential instability, by continuing to implement the actions described above.

 

Although these are turbulent times, we are weathering them with resilience and determination. Let's not forget that Ricochet is known for doing the impossible!

Premises wanted: contact us!

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If you have any information about premises available to host our accommodation resource, please contact direction@ricochetwestisland.com.

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