Quebec non-profit tests new way to prevent housing evictions
A Montreal non-profit is testing a new way of preventing at-risk people of being evicted from their apartments.
In 2025, La Maison du Père lent $265,000 to 101 people at risk of eviction because they could not pay their rent.
This year, the group’s community workers will attend the Administrative Housing Tribunal hearings to identify tenants at risk of eviction. Those who are at risk will be referred to the province’s Rent Assistance Bank if they qualify.
Quebec was the last province to establish a rent bank; B.C. was the first in 2021. More than 90 per cent of BC Rent Bank recipients remain housed after receiving a loan.
Last year, 4,530 renters stayed housed, totalling $3 million in loans. Alberta’s Community Bridge Program also covers mortgage and utility services.
However, the loans are a partial solution and advocates say financial literacy and psychosocial support are critical.
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