Allyson Beauregard
Allyson Beauregard
CAMPBELL’S BAY – On April 20, Jean Hébert, Director General of the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO), and Benoît Gauthier, assistant DG and manager of the community organizations support programs, announced that a two year agreement has been reached with Autonhomme Pontiac to provide four temporary accommodation units for men over 18 years old in the Pontiac.
The CISSSO will provide about $95,000 in funding for the project for 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. Afterwards, if all conditions are met, the funding will be provided on a yearly basis. The agreement was made possible after funding for another organization, the Luskville House, was withdrawn since it was no longer able to fulfill its mission and repeatedly experienced difficulties complying with certain requirements. According to the CISSSO, they wanted to keep the funding in the Pontiac and maintain a transitional housing resource for men.
According to Tyler Ladouceur, Auton-homme Coordinator, existing space will be used for the four new accommodation units. “We occupy the second floor of the same building as Bouffe Pontiac in Campbell’s Bay. There is already lots of space, so we will be renovating the rooms, installing showers and electricity, etc. to make them suitable for accommodation,” he said, noting that Autonhomme will be able to provide lodging anywhere from a couple of days up to about six months. “It’s a project we have been working on since day one,” he added.
“The vast majority of men in difficulty can receive the services and care they need to continue their social reintegration. Our priority is to ensure that these men be supported safely and are redirected towards resources tailored to their needs, firmly rooted in the community,” said Hébert.
According to Pontiac MNA Andre Fortin, Autonhomme now has the means to better
support those who need it the most, right in their own community. “This organization does so much to improve the quality of life of all the individuals and families in the Pontiac,” he said.
Although the Luskville House mainly offered services to those battling addictions, Autonhomme helps those suffering from mental illnesses or controlled addictions, those who are having problems at home, and more. “We will keep adding to the criteria of those we can help as time goes on. There is a large need for these services in the Pontiac,” concluded Ladouceur.
