Key insights

According to Centraide du Grand Montréal, there were approximately 10,000 homeless individuals in Quebec as of 2022. 4,690 of them are in Montreal, marking a 33% increase since 2018. As per CTV News, 44.2% of Montreal’s homeless population is between 30-49 years old. CTV News reports that men make up the majority of those affected by homelessness. HomelessHub states that major contributing factors of homelessness include lack of affordable housing, poverty, personal circumstance

Homelessness in Montreal has become an increasingly visible and pressing issue in recent years.

According to a 2022 survey by  Centraide du Grand Montréal, there are approximately 10,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in Quebec, with 4,690 of them residing in Montreal.

This represents a 33% rise in homelessness in Montreal since 2018. 

The distribution of the homeless population in Montreal is concentrated in specific areas. 

Notably, 70% of individuals experiencing homelessness are found in five boroughs: Ville-Marie, Plateau Mont-Royal, Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Le Sud-Ouest, and Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce.

Demographics of the homeless population in Montreal

Homelessness in Montreal reflects diverse demographics across age, gender, sexual orientation, and Indigenous status.

Homelessness by age in Montreal

According to CTV News, the majority of people experiencing homelessness in Quebec are between 30 and 49 years old (44.2%). This is followed by 50 to 64 years old (29%) and 18 to 29 years old (19.2%). 

Homelessness by gender in Montreal

As per CTV News, 67.2% of Montreal’s homeless population are cisgender men. Meanwhile, 29% are women, and 3.9% identify with other gender identities. 

This indicates that while men make up the majority, women and non-binary individuals are also disproportionately affected by homelessness.

Homelessness by sexual orientation in Montreal

The same CTV News report found that individuals who do not identify as heterosexual are overrepresented in the homeless population. 

While 85.9% of respondents identified as straight, 3.1% identified as homosexual, 6.1% as bisexual, and 4.9% as “other.” 

These figures suggest that LGBTQ+ individuals face heightened risks of homelessness, potentially due to discrimination, family rejection, or economic hardships.

Homelessness by Indigenous representation in Montreal

According to CTV News, 13% of homeless individuals surveyed were of Indigenous origin, despite Indigenous people making up only 2.3% of Quebec’s total population. 

The report also noted that Indigenous individuals are more likely to be found in outdoor spaces and emergency housing, with lower representation in transitional housing and therapy centres. This highlights the urgent need for culturally appropriate support services.

Contributing factors to homelessness in Montreal

Homelessness in Montreal is a multifaceted issue influenced by various structural and individual factors.

Lack of affordable housing in Montreal

According to Homeless Hub, the lack of affordable housing is one of the leading causes of homelessness. 

As rental prices rise and the supply of low-cost housing diminishes, many individuals and families struggle to find stable accommodations. This forces them into shelters or onto the streets.

Poverty in Montreal

As per Homeless Hub, poverty is a significant driver of homelessness. Low wages, lack of employment opportunities, and the high cost of living make it difficult for many individuals to afford basic necessities like stable housing. 

Those living in extreme poverty are at a much higher risk of homelessness due to financial insecurity and limited access to resources.

Personal circumstances and relational problems in Montreal

According to Homeless Hub, individual experiences such as family breakdowns, domestic violence, and mental health struggles can contribute to homelessness. 

Many people become homeless due to conflict with family members, loss of social support, or traumatic events that leave them without a safety net.

Trauma and abuse in Montreal

As stated by Homeless Hub, domestic violence, childhood trauma, and systemic discrimination contribute significantly to homelessness. 

Many individuals, particularly women and LGBTQ+ youth, flee unsafe environments only to find themselves without adequate support.

Systemic factors in Montreal

Homeless Hub also reports that systemic barriers such as limited access to public spaces, discriminatory housing policies, and criminalisation of the homeless population further perpetuate the cycle of homelessness. 

Many individuals face legal challenges that prevent them from regaining stability.

Government and non-profit initiatives for homelessness in Montreal

Montreal addresses homelessness through a combination of government programs and non-profit organisations, aiming to provide immediate assistance and long-term solutions.

Government Initiatives

• The federal and Quebec governments announced an agreement to address the urgent needs of individuals living in encampments and experiencing unsheltered homelessness in December 2024. 

This initiative focuses on providing rapid and targeted responses to support affected individuals.

• Launched in 2019, Reaching Home is a community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness across Canada. 

It supports urban, Indigenous, territorial, rural, and remote communities by providing funding and support to address local homelessness needs.

Non-profit organisations

• Dans la Rue: Founded in 1988 by Father Emmett Johns, Dans la Rue assists homeless and at-risk youth in Montreal. The organisation offers services such as emergency shelter, food, and educational programs to support youth in need.

• Old Brewery Mission: Established in 1889, the Old Brewery Mission is one of Montreal’s largest resources for homeless men and women. It provides emergency shelter, meals, and mental health services. There are also programs aimed at sustainable reintegration and residential stability.

• Welcome Hall Mission: Since 1892, Welcome Hall Mission has been offering support to Montrealers in need. Their services include emergency shelters, food assistance, healthcare, and programs designed to help individuals transition out of homelessness. 

• Angels of Mercy: Operating from November to May, Angels of Mercy is a non-profit organisation that provides healthy meals and warm clothing to the homeless population in downtown Montreal. They rely on volunteers and donations to support their mission

References:

• Angels of Mercy – home. (n.d.). https://www.helpfeedthehomeless.org/ 
• Canada, I. (2025, January 28). Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada – Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy. https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/homelessness-sans-abri/index-eng.html 
• Centraide. (2025, January 17). Homelessness | Centraide du Grand Montréal. Centraide du Grand Montréal. https://www.centraide-mtl.org/en/blog/homelessness/ 
• Gregory-Quantic-Conseil. (2024, November 27). Organization helping homeless and at-risk youth in Montreal – Dans la rue. Dans La Rue – Organisme D’aide Aux Jeunes Sans-abri, En Situation D’itinérance Ou Précaire À Montréal. https://danslarue.org/en/ 
• HomelessHub. (2024, July 29). Toronto | HomelessHub. https://homelesshub.ca/community_profile/toronto/ 
• HomelessHub. (n.d.). What are the causes of homelessness? https://homelesshub.ca/collection/homelessness-101/what-are-the-causes-of-homelessness/ 
• Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada. (2024, December 13). The Governments of Canada and Quebec reach an agreement in principle to address unsheltered homelessness. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/housing-infrastructure-communities/news/2024/12/the-governments-of-canada-and-quebec-reach-an-agreement-in-principle-to-address-unsheltered-homelessness.html 
• Home – Welcome Hall Mission – Mission Bon accueil. (2024, August 8). Welcome Hall Mission – Mission Bon Accueil. https://welcomehallmission.com/ 
• Mission Old Brewery. (n.d.). https://www.missionoldbrewery.ca/ 
• Roy, L. (2024, November 22). Homelessness has skyrocketed in Quebec. Which areas were hit the hardest? CTVNews. https://www.ctvnews.ca/montreal/article/homelessness-has-skyrocketed-in-quebec-which-areas-were-hit-the-hardest/