Affordable housing in Montréal with the SHDM​

« Originally from the Central African Republic, Mahamat Djafar, now in his thirties, has experienced a journey marked by exile and perseverance. After living in Cameroon for ten years, he arrived in Canada on September 16, 2022. He remembers the date clearly, as it marked the beginning of a stable and lasting new chapter in his life. Although he obtained permanent residency soon after arriving, his first months in Montréal were not easy. He initially lived in substandard housing, an unhealthy environment that intensified his stress and sense of isolation. I wasn’t sleeping well. I felt like I was in prison. It was very discouraging, he recalls. By a fortunate twist of fate, Mahamat learned about the SHDM. While speaking on the phone with an acquaintance on a bus, a fellow passenger overheard the conversation and realized he was struggling to find housing. The passenger approached him spontaneously and shared the SHDM’s contact information. What followed were two and a half months of applications and weekly follow-ups, until a one-bedroom apartment became available in Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. He moved in on February 1, 2024, a moment that marked a true turning point in his life. When I’m at home and look around my apartment, I feel good. I consider myself fortunate to have such a beautiful place at this price, he says gratefully. Today, Mahamat works as a painter, a profession he is passionate about after completing a six-month training program. He appreciates the cleanliness of his apartment, the renovations that have been carried out, and the positive relationships he has built with his neighbours. For him, the residential stability provided by the SHDM has been essential. Without it, he had even considered leaving Québec. Having this apartment gave me hope again. It allowed me to believe that I could build a good life here, he explains. He also wants to recognize the warm welcome and flexibility of the SHDM team: When I arrive at the reception desk, I feel at home. We joke around, I’m treated with respect, and the service is always quick. It makes all the difference. For Mahamat Djafar, an SHDM apartment is more than just a roof over his head. It is an anchor, a safe and secure space that allows him to look toward the future with confidence. »

« Originally from the United States, Joseph John Bontems moved to Canada in 1975 in search of a more pacifist country. He chose Montréal for its welcoming and human-centered character, a city he feels reflects his own values. Since March 2021, he has lived at Maison Leduc, a 31-unit Autonomie+ building located in the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighbourhood, which he appreciates for its diversity and proximity to services. Everything is within walking distance: the clinic, grocery store, pharmacy, and library, he explains. Engaged and active at 75, Joseph John is not the type to sit on the sidelines. He is involved in a variety of community programs, including initiatives that support seniors through social activities. His background in psychosocial services has strengthened his commitment to contributing to community life. He is well acquainted with local community resources and is always willing to share them with those around him. For him, active aging is built on social connection, kindness, and a healthy dose of curiosity. I’m interested in all kinds of things. I love urban architecture, world music, and languages. I’ve studied French, Mandarin, and Spanish, Joseph John says. At Maison Leduc, he naturally fosters a spirit of mutual support with his neighbours. What I like here is the warm atmosphere and the kindness of the people. We know each other and take care of one another. For example, every week he shares part of his basket of locally grown vegetables with a neighbour in her nineties. A passionate gardener, he also looks forward each year to participating in the urban gardening projects that the SHDM offers its tenants as soon as the warm weather arrives. For Joseph John, his home at Maison Leduc is much more than a place to live. It is an anchor and a space for connection that allows him to remain fully engaged in the community. This is my home. And the fact that the SHDM offers affordable rents is an invaluable source of peace of mind, he concludes. »

« Copilot said: “Resilient and determined, Eulalie Françoise Mbena is originally from Cameroon and found refuge in Canada as an asylum seeker in June 2023. The first months after her arrival in Montreal were difficult. After staying with friends and then at the temporary shelter Abri d’espoir, being able to sign a lease for her own apartment was the first necessary step toward stability. A member of her church told her about the SHDM. A unit was available, and she submitted an application: ‘I am very satisfied with my SHDM apartment. I feel at home there and I am proud of it,’ she says. Despite the challenges, Ms. Mbena remains hopeful and is committed to contributing to her community. She serves as an instructor for children in Sunday school. ‘I was a teacher in Cameroon, so my greatest joy is being able to share my passion for helping the children in my community,’ she says with compassion. Having an SHDM apartment represents a significant step toward the future she hopes to build for her family. Her goal is to find more stable employment so that she can bring her six children to join her. Despite her own challenges, Eulalie continues to recommend the SHDM to others in her network who are looking for housing. »

« Bertha Maldonado is a warm-hearted and selfless woman originally from Guatemala who settled in Montréal more than 40 years ago. When she first arrived, she lived with her husband, who worked in the construction industry, specializing in roofing. When asked what makes her most proud of her life journey, she answers without hesitation: Being a grandmother and great-grandmother to four wonderful grandchildren and one great-grandson. She describes herself as a good friend who enjoys staying connected with people in her neighborhood. You can always count on me, no matter the reason. During the pandemic, I even cut the hair of those who needed it! Her generosity is also reflected in her volunteer work at the neighborhood community kitchen: I love cooking, and I decided to share that passion with people in need by preparing dishes inspired by the flavors of my homeland, Bertha explains. In her free time, she loves exploring her Saint-Henri neighborhood and enjoys strolling along the Lachine Canal to reconnect with nature. Bertha Maldonado first learned about the SHDM through a good friend and has lived in her apartment since 2013. I love my apartment and would never want to leave. It’s important to me to take good care of it; everything must be clean and organized. I even take care of the shared spaces, such as the stairways. After all, this is my home. And whenever I have minor issues with my apartment, the building attendant is always there to resolve them quite quickly. Overall, I appreciate the service I receive. Every month, she visits the SHDM reception desk to pay her rent: I enjoy chatting with the staff. They are very kind and welcoming, and some of them recognize me, which is always nice. Bertha shares her love of connecting with others every day, creating meaningful moments through her interactions. »