Cabot Square has long been a popular meeting place for homeless aboriginals in Montreal, forcing some to worry what will happen to them when the downtown park closes in June as the city works on a revitalization project.
The park has become an informal meeting place for vulnerable people, many of whom struggle with substance abuse.
The downtown park near Atwater Metro creates a sense of community for some, explained homeless man, Daniel.
“We're living outside, so we have no choice but to watch each other,” said Daniel, who chose not to give his last name.
The situation at Cabot Square is a delicate one, explained Nakuset, who is the executive director of the Native Women's Shelter of Montreal.
“We know that a lot of urban aboriginal people come here. But when they're here, they don't necessarily get the services that they need,” she said.
The problem has led a network of various organizations serving Montreal's aboriginal community to develop a strategy for the area that included hiring two aboriginal outreach workers.
“(Their role is) to find out what they're doing here, how can we help you, do you need to go to a doctor, do you need to see a lawyer, do you need to go to an addictions facility, do you need to find housing, do you need to find an apartment, education. What is it, and how can I help you and let me take you there,” explained Nakuset.
The city is planning to give the park a major facelift and that means it will be temporarily closed starting next month. Community workers are concerned about the impact that will have on the homeless who make this space a home.
“We'll go in the back alleys, we'll go to the other park... It's not going to help,” said Daniel.
One of the workers reaching out to the Cabot Square regulars is David Crane who, in part, helps those in need through the transition.
“It's going to be a big job, but I'm not working alone. There are many organizations that are helping just as much,” he said.
Handling the transition is a team effort, and includes support from the City of Montreal.
“They're wonderful partners. They've been really aware of the needs in the square; they realize that though the square needs to be revitalized, there would be a potential harm to the people who may be displaced. So the borough of Ville-Marie and even the city of Westmount contributed to the hiring of outreach workers, and the city of Montreal is involved in different initiatives as well,” said project coordinater Allison Reid.
One the outreach workers reaching out to the Cabot Square regulars is David Crane who, in part, helps those in need through the transition.
“It's going to be a big job, but I'm not working alone. There are many organizations that are helping just as much,” he said.
