« Homelessness in the West Island does not exist! » is a common myth West Islanders believe. However, according to a survey published in 2015, 25.8 % of downtown homeless youth come from the suburbs of Montreal. West Island Youth suffer from homelessness every day.
In a territory where affordable housing is scarce, where social housing is non-existent and where the culture of appearance is important, the West Island youth who find themselves in precarious situations use strategies that keep them invisible.
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Ricochet is a solution to the residential instability and social exclusion of young adults that the team at AJOI is working to resolve, with extremely limited resources. Homelessness is THE most addressed issue by those who benefit from AJOI’s services. It was addressed 976 times last year alone. That is the reason why they need the support of the community and why Ricochet (Hébergement/Homes) invites you to participate in the ONE BRICK AT A TIME campaign.
The ONE BRICK AT A TIME campaign from Action Jeunesse, Ricochet and la Caisse Desjardins de l’Ouestde-l’Île is officially launched!
AJOI and Ricochet are proud to announce the West Island Caisse Desjardins’ participation as the main partner for the campaign. With the ONE BRICK AT A TIME campaign, which runs from October 18, 2019 to February 22, 2020, the AJOI team would like to present two major events and build a virtual wall with the support of the community. The campaign offers the opportunity to buy a brick that will help build the Desjardins Virtual Wall to make Ricochet a reality!
The Desjardins Virtual Wall will be built thanks to the purchase of virtual bricks; donors will be able to purchase different sizes and colors of bricks and will be able to leave a personalized message. The campaign will be supported by two major fundraising events : Raising the roof : A fight against homelessness with RISE Anxiety and Depression Clinic, a pop-rock concert at the Théâtre Beaubois in Pierrefonds on November 22, 2019 and the Poker Tournament & Casino night presented by West Island Caisse Desjardins, at the Sarto-Desnoyers Community Center in Dorval, on February 22, 2020.
Desjardins is committed to supporting youth and is proud to be part of this important campaign. All monies raised through the ONE BRICK AT A TIME campaign will go directly to Ricochet to help us create the first emergency shelter resource for young adults in the West Island. These shelters want to preserve the dignity of youth living through difficult times by welcoming them warmly and giving them the resources, they need to get back on their feet and achieve their goals.
Help build a roof, ONE BRICK AT A TIME! To buy a brick and follow the construction of the virtual wall, visit our websites : https://www.ricochetwestisland.com/home or https://www.ajoi.info
To participate in our Raising the Roof: A fight against homelessness concert, visit the event’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/365596210791491/