The first of its kind in Quebec, parents who are going through a tough time can now safely leave their children in a safe house for a few hours, or a few weeks.
The Kangaroo House officially opened Tuesday in Montreal's east end.
It's taken three years of hard work to make the safe house a reality, and a place where parents in distress can leave their children temporarily while they try to solve their problems.
“Not everybody has a family around they can turn to and get some help, so a house like this being open 24 hours, allows a parent to knock at two in the morning, bring their children and say, 'Look it's not going well. I'm not a bad parent for this, but can I please drop my child here?'” explained Josee Fortin, general manager of the Kangaroo House.
The house will be staffed by a minimum of two adults at all times and can accommodate babies and children up to 12 years old.
“There are actually nine beds and there's also a room for the person that's going to be taking care of the children at night,” said staff member Marianne Durand.
The house is currently on loan by the Freres du St-Esprit, a group of Catholic priests. Operation Enfant-Soleil and others donated furniture and materials to renovate the house.
Most of the funds have come from private donors.
Ste. Justine Hospital will oversee the recruitment and training of volunteers.
“We'll need volunteers for the morning, evening and overnight shifts. They will help with the bedtime and breakfast routines, as well as supervise all house activities,” explained Dominique Pare, chief of volunteers at Ste. Justine Hospital.
Parents don't need to go through social services for a referral. All they have to do is call -- or show up, in case of emergency.
“Because sometimes when a crisis happens, it happens now. That's why it's an emergency centre, 24 hours,” said Fortin.
Click here for more information or contact Kangaroo House at info@lamaisonkangourou.org or 514 524-4141.
