Quebec Announces $28 Million in Emergency Funding for Homelessness Ahead of Winter

Quebec has announced 28 million Canadian dollars in emergency funding to address homelessness as winter approaches. The province describes it as the first prominent move under its social priorities. The funding covers about 200 projects in 16 regions, with the aim of adding more than 1,000 new places for shelter and warming centres in the coming months.

The emergency housing funding was announced on October 23, 2026, and is intended to support emergency measures for people facing homelessness. The projects include emergency and transitional shelters, warming centres, meals, and support services. The province will also gradually cover some of the costs of preparing facilities, meals, and support services.

The total allocated to winter measures this year rises to 46 million Canadian dollars, after the new amount was added to the 18 million dollars previously allocated. The government says the additional funding will provide more than 1,000 new shelter spaces. It also says the goal is still not a lasting solution to the homelessness crisis.

Social housing has returned to the top of the government’s priorities as the province faces rising rents, a shortage of affordable housing, and a growing number of people without homes. Advocacy groups say the crisis affects tens of thousands of residents, and they call for long-term plans rather than temporary emergency measures.

Opposition parties in Quebec have criticized the government’s approach, saying the emergency funding does not address the root causes of homelessness, such as the shortage of affordable housing and rising rent and living costs. They have called for expanding the construction of social housing units.

Advocacy organizations warned that the current response will not be enough to meet the needs of vulnerable groups, especially families, women, and young people. Their concern for those most at risk reflects a call to protect people who have the least ability to protect themselves (Proverbs 31:8-9). They urged faster implementation of projects and closer coordination between government agencies and community organizations.

The Arab community in Quebec has been following these developments closely, since many Arab families and individuals are among those affected by the housing crisis. Community leaders have called for greater inclusion of Arab organizations in both planning and delivering services.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Arabic)