The Gazette Christmas Fund evolves to meet Montreal’s housing crisis head-on

The reality for many of our neighbours is stark: One unexpected bill, one missed paycheque, one spike in expenses can mean the difference between staying housed and losing a home.

As housing costs continue to climb and tents and sleeping bags riddle our streets, the Gazette Christmas Fund is evolving its long-standing mission by partnering with Montreal’s trusted Old Brewery Mission to create a rent bank for Montrealers at risk of homelessness.

Whether it’s an elderly couple struggling to pay their rent after an increase, newly single parents finding it challenging to cover costs once split in two or somebody recently laid off from work due to job cuts, simply affording a place to live is harder than it has ever been. 

The Old Brewery Mission has helped house and feed this city’s vulnerable population for over 135 years. They, like us, believe the best way to end homelessness is to stop it before it begins.

As pillars of the Montreal community, we’re keenly aware of the legacies we not only carry but need to leave for future generations — helping our city thrive. 

This partnership is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: prevention matters. For many individuals and families living paycheque to paycheque, a short-term financial crisis can quickly spiral into eviction and, ultimately, homelessness. A modest rent arrears payment or emergency supplement at the right moment can act as a bridge during hard times — keeping someone housed.

Donations to the Christmas Fund this year will go toward emergency rent support for individuals and families facing imminent housing loss via the OBM’s homelessness prevention program. It is targeted, timely help designed to prevent a temporary setback from becoming a life-altering crisis.

The rent bank supports low- and moderate-income Montrealers facing a temporary financial crisis that puts them at risk of eviction. The OBM evaluates each case individually and provides a non-repayable grant, usually up to the equivalent of three months’ rent, to cover rent arrears, utility arrears, or a security deposit for a new apartment.

As we’ve done in the past, the Gazette Christmas Fund will continue its vital work supporting Montrealers in need, while strengthening its impact through this collaboration. The Gazette will continue to publish stories about the people we’re helping this year and, of course, report news and analysis on Montreal’s housing crisis. More about our collaboration will be written over the course of this year, with the campaign kicking off in October. 

We know the compassion of this community. Year after year, Montrealers have shown that they care deeply about their neighbours. Today, we invite you to partner with us in offering a tangible way to keep roofs overhead and hope intact.

A one-time donation can be made here.

Monthly donations can be registered here.

Cheques made out to the Old Brewery Mission can be mailed to:

Old Brewery Mission
902 St-Laurent Blvd.
Montreal, Que.
H2Z 1J2

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