City of Montreal says there's help for those who can't find a home by July 1

Montreal officials say they want people to know that there's help available if they're worried they could end up homeless on Moving Day. 

With a low vacancy rate in the city and skyrocketing costs in the rental market, many Montrealers have been struggling to get a lease signed for July 1, with many leases in Quebec ending on June 30.

"We know and expect that this year will be particularly difficult for many," said Benoit Dorais, vice-chair of Montreal's executive committee.

He said those struggling to secure a place for next month should call 311 as soon as possible to find out what their options are. 

Montreal's municipal housing office, the Office municipal d'habitation de Montréal, can help refer people to social housing or to landlords who have yet to find tenants for July. It can also provide emergency housing for those who've exhausted all their options, he said. 

"We will direct you to the right resources and walk you through this difficult time. We are prepared," Dorais said.

The housing office can also help tenants who are looking to store their belongings during their move. 

It's already providing emergency assistance to 81 households who've yet to sign a lease for next month, said Vincent Brossard, the director of housing applications and the rent supplement program. 

He wants landlords to know they can reach out to the city if they have any vacancies. 

"We are looking for homes, particularly large ones," he said. "If any landlords have vacant apartments for July 1 that you haven't been able to fill, you can participate to offer yours up."

Over the past three years, the number of citizens reaching out to the office for help in finding a home for July 1 has tripled, Dorais said. 

The cost of helping citizens in their search for affordable housing has more than doubled since then too, he said, going from $1.6 million in 2019 to $3.5 million this year. 

"We have the money we need to respond to this and we are, but each year the situation is getting worse and each year our budget is going up," he said. 

Dorais says the federal and provincial governments have been stalling on funding agreements that would allow for the construction of 1,200 units of social housing in the city.