30 new supervised apartments for recovering addicts!

30 new supervised apartments for recovering addicts: Habitations communautaires Portage II

Montreal, April 9, 2018 – The official inauguration took place today for the Habitations communautaires Portage II (HCP II), a 30-unit apartment building for people who have recently completed a rehabilitation program at one of Portage’s drug addiction treatment centres. In attendance were Mr. Marc Miller, MP for Ville-Marie—Le Sud-Ouest—Île-des-Soeurs, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Ms. Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier of Quebec, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation, Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy, and MNA for Saint-Henri–Sainte-Anne, on behalf of Ms. Lise Thériault, Minister responsible for Consumer Protection and for Housing, and Mr. Benoit Dorais, Mayor of the Sud-Ouest borough and Chairman of Montreal’s Executive Committee.

Affordable housing for a vulnerable period

Even with the support of Portage’s social reintegration and aftercare services, the transition from the structured and secure environment at Portage to an autonomous lifestyle as a graduate can be a vulnerable and stressful period. HCP II seeks to make that transition easier, by providing graduates with clean, safe, and affordable housing, and a supportive community of neighbours in the building. Residents have access to a range of services to help them reintegrate mainstream society and focus on their next steps, such as pursuing their studies or vocational training.

"My apartment at HCP II has been one of the most important factors of my success," stated said Heath, a graduate of one of Portage’s drug rehabilitation programs. "Living here has given me the chance to get my life under control and give it some direction. The staff members in this place are incredible; they support and guide us during our reintegration. The other residents are going through the same things as I am, so we share experiences and help each other out. And because my rent is so affordable, I’ve been able to go back to school without having to worry about money."

A supportive community

After having successfully completed a drug rehabilitation program, many people struggle with a fear of relapse. However, being surrounded by a group of people who have faced similar struggles and who have acquired a range of tools at Portage, HCP II residents are buoyed by an ever-present support system.

"HCP II is a supportive community," stated Mr. Peter Howlett, President of Portage. "Residents are surrounded by their peers and a dedicated team of staff members, and have access to a community kitchen, a rooftop terrace, and three meeting rooms."

A collaborative investment

An initial investment of $6.5M was required for the project. Though Portage initiated its development, HCP II garnered the support of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ), the provincial and federal governments (under the Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement), the City of Montreal, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM) through their social housing fund, and Transition énergétique Québec.

"HCP II allows Portage to effectively and sustainably support our clients through their social reintegration process. We are extremely grateful to all those who have, in their own way, invested time and money into this great achievement," concluded Mr. Howlett.