The CMQ initiated the Habitations du Centre multiethnique de Québec project as a complement to other actions of the centre.
The HCMQ offers temporary and transitional housing to immigrants newly arrived in Quebec City. It offers a living environment tailored to the needs of newcomers, conducive to the learning necessary for their adaptation and social integration in the host society through access to the in-house services provided by the CMQ.
Some important dates in the creation of HCMQ:
• November 2010: CMQ Housing Forum, proposal for a temporary housing project.
• 2011-2012: Creation of an action committee aided by a technical resource group (Immeuble Populaire).
• December 2012: Incorporation of the new HCMQ entity.
• July 2013: Purchase of part of the Canopée building from the Quebec Municipal Housing Office and renovation of the entire building.
• October 2014: Moving CMQ offices into the new HCMQ premises.
• November 2014: Opening of emergency rooming services and transitional apartments of the HCMQ.
Services offered to refugees
Emergency rooming: the HCMQ has 19 emergency rooms for state-sponsored refugees for at least five working days, pending their arrangement of private accommodation. The HCMQ can accommodate up to 76 people in emergency and provide three meals a day.
Transitional housing: the HCMQ has 20 transitional units for up to 20 families, or 100 people. These temporary shelters are reserved for state-sponsored refugees who have particular support needs, as determined by the team. Considered the second stage of the integration, these accommodations are available for six months to two years. Personalized support is offered throughout the rental term, allowing tenants to acclimate and integrate well into Quebec society.
Services for economic migrant workers
Migrant workers can use temporary accommodation (emergency rooms) upon arrival in Quebec City while they find housing.
They are helped by the CMQ in their search.
Apartments and emergency rooming
On Nov. 1, 2014, HCMQ welcomed the first residents to its transitional apartments. The units filled progressively with the arrival of refugees supported by the Department of Immigration, diversity and inclusion (MIDI). Indeed, twothirds of the apartments are currently occupied by families who had previously lived in the emergency housing, since they had a pressing
need for assistance in adjusting. The remaining third are families of refugees already living in Quebec but whose support
needs were earmarked by the CMQ. Currently, all apartments are occupied.
The emergency units received their first guests on Nov. 17, 2014. The first clients referred by the CMQ had unfortunately been left homeless by a fire and needed assistance. Then came the MIDI clients and the HCMQ also began to accommodate economic migrants (skilled workers) as well as other clients referred by partner agencies.
For now, statesponsored refugees represent 80 per cent of the emergency room users.
Clients in 2015 were mainly of African origin (Central Africa, Congo, Burundi, Ivory Coast, etc.) and Bhutanese. However, international events have an impact on the origin of the clientele, with several Syrian families welcomed by the HCMQ since 2016.
Community activities
Aside from the involvement of tenant families in the upkeep of common spaces on their floor, the most spectacular is probably the community garden on the building rooftop, managed in collaboration with the CMQ, the OMHQ and urban gardeners.
This facility allows families, tenants and employees to garden together and to meet in a social context. The next harvest is expected soon
An environment for involvement
The local community is very active in the CMQ and HCMQ. More than 400 volunteers are involved on a daily basis, as members of the board, receptionists, helping with food services or games room supervision, sewing or craft activities, or to help with food service or the supervision of games rooms, assisting in moving, etc. Their constant involvement provides a positive first contact between members of the host society and newcomers.
