Martin, 46, shares the story of his experience with homelessness.
His story
He arrived in Montreal 27 years ago to study and work in a field he was passionate about: fashion. Early on, he explains that he began using drugs and alcohol because they were so prevalent in his work environment.
Over the years, he explains that he experienced several traumas, including the loss of a loved one, and his drug use increased. In 2016, he mentions hitting a wall and falling into the street.
For several months, he managed to survive by moving from place to place, not knowing what awaited him around every corner. He explains that he had some very difficult times, which led him to question his will to live, even though he was alone and isolated.
His story of the Accueil Bonneau
When he was ready to get back on his feet, Accueil Bonneau opened its doors to him. He says he found a family and a reason to live.
Now, he explains, “I can say with immense pride that I’ve managed to get my life back on track. With the help of Accueil Bonneau, I’ve also been able to find a job that captivates me, and above all, I’ve reclaimed my place in society.

His message to us

“As you know, there are now twice as many people on the street as there were before the pandemic. Starting today, you can make a difference by making a donation to support people who, like me, need your help to get off the streets”.

“By giving generously to Accueil Bonneau, you’ll help house more vulnerable people, and put an end to homelessness”.

Daniel Simoneau, 58, shares his story of homelessness, and the help he received from Accueil Bonneau.
His story
For nearly ten years, Daniel lived in a rooming house on rue Saint-Christophe, sharing the space with five other tenants.
However, a fire forced him to move out suddenly. Daniel explains that a “crazy person” decided to blow up his apartment, forcing him to leave his room.
His account of Accueil Bonneau
After a stay at the Maison du Père, Daniel found himself at the Accueil Bonneau thanks to friends.
Since 2022, Daniel has been living in a studio apartment belonging to the Accueil Bonneau, located in the Maison Claire-Ménard on rue de la Commune.
He explains that for him, this apartment, which costs him $237 a month, represents security. He says that when he arrived, he was all unpacked. Now he’s on the mend.
Finally, he mentions that for him, it’s clear that without Accueil Bonneau after the fire, he wouldn’t have been able to get ahead in life, especially with the price of housing in Montreal.

For the full story: https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2023/12/31/un-toit-et-une-seconde-chance–un-logement-abordable-change-la-vie-dun-homme-menace-ditinerance

Franck Lambert, 54, shares his story of homelessness, and the help he received from Accueil Bonneau.

His story

Throughout his life, Franck Lambert has experienced periods of employment, unemployment and welfare.

His journey into homelessness began when he lost his home, where he had been living for seven years, due to his alcoholism. As a result, he went through several periods of homelessness lasting several months before managing to find a new home.

The situation worsened when he lost his apartment at the height of the pandemic, due to difficulties in paying his rent.

His story about Accueil Bonneau

When he lost his apartment during the pandemic, he got a job with a private company that put him in touch with Accueil Bonneau.

Since then, he has been living in a room at the Maison Eugénie-Bernier, which belongs to Accueil Bonneau. This establishment offers affordable transitional housing with no fixed term.

Thanks to Accueil Bonneau, he has been able to recover financially, pay his bills, settle his debts and get his life back on track.

As he puts it: “Now my accounts are up to date, my taxes are up to date. I’m more comfortable managing my affairs. And I’ve even got a job as a cleaner at the Jewish Hospital in Montreal.”

For the full story: https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2023/12/30/itinerance–un-homme-de-54-ans-a-une-seconde-chance-grace-a-un-loyer-abordable