Quebec homeless centres have very few places to go [Video]

For months now, there have been calls from some in Montreal’s St. Henri neighbourhood, where the Benoit Labre day centre for the homeless is, to move elsewhere.

The calls stem from concerns for the safety of children attending a nearby school.

In August, Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant floated the idea of banning safe-consumption sites and day centres that are close to schools and daycares.

That policy would, however, eliminate a vast majority of establishments.

“We did the math, and we came to the conclusion that there are virtually no spaces available for the homeless that are at least 250 metres from a school or a daycare,” said Jeremie Lamarche, from RAPSIM, a support group for the unhoused in Montreal.

Even established services would be threatened, according to the head of the Welcome Hall Mission.

“There are at least 100 examples in Montreal of social services, services to the vulnerable …