Host Organization: Projets Autochtones du Quebec
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Timeline: 2008-2009

ABOUT PROJETS AUTOCHTONES DU QUEBEC

Projets Autochtones du Quebec (PAQ) is a non-profit homeless shelter in Montreal that caters to the urban Aboriginal community, serving impoverished Inuit, Métis, and First Nation populations. This shelter provides food, beds, showers, and laundry facilities for fifteen to twenty homeless people every night. PAQ also holds counselling and rehabilitation sessions for the Aboriginal community, while promoting positive social development.

EPN’S INVOLVMENT

This “Warm Fireside Project” was a joint venture between PAQ and EPN that aimed to alleviate abject poverty through the funding of hot water for the shelter’s kitchen, helping to improve sanitation and enabling a safer and healthier experience for those who stay at the shelter. EPN also donated storage bins to help keep food at the shelter free of moisture and vermin. Furthermore, EPN created two internship positions – an Administrative Assistant and a Fundraising Coordinator – at the shelter to promote financial sustainability through collecting funds and sponsorship from external sources.

End Poverty Now’s McGill Chapter was also very active in this joint venture, initiating volunteer days, an EPN-PAQ dinner event, and a clothing drive.

Beds at PAQ, Montreal