Several families have been relocated during the city’s moving day period, with the number of evictions higher than last year, according to Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada. “Right now, we’re up to 66 families that have been relocated, which we’ve been working on, and the number of evictions is higher than last year,” she told CTV News. “So measures are still in place, and they will remain in place for quite a while because July 1 is not the only date we’re looking at. It’s something that continues throughout the year.” In May, the mayor’s administration announced $3.4 million in funding over three years to help the Office municipal de l’habitation de Montréal (OMHM) support Montrealers at risk of losing their homes. The funding will help pay temporary housing, moving expenses, storing furniture, pet care, psychological services and other supports. These services are available between mid-June to mid-July through the OMHM’s “Operation July 1.” The mayor’s administration also announced this week interest-free loans for tenants who are having trouble paying their rent. The program will provide up to $5,000 per household, with the loans to be repaid over five years. About 150 households are expected to benefit. The loans will be administered by Maison du Père, a non-profit organization that works to reduce homelessness in Montreal. “People need to call 311, and they will be taking measures to help them try to relocate them, accompanie them in their own needs because not everybody has the same needs,” she told CTV News, “It goes from short-term housing, either hotels or spaces that we have, and at the end of the day, hopefully try to find a way to relocate them.” With files from Swidda Rassy, CTV News
