The city of Sherbrooke joined dozens of Quebec municipalities in recognizing the Nuit des sans-abri on Friday evening, an annual event used to show solidarity with the homeless population and raise awareness about the growing poverty gap in the province.
A solidarity vigil was held downtown to begin the evening followed by a march to the marché de la Gare where folks were given an opportunity to interact with community leaders, organizations, as well as share in coffee, hot chocolate, and a number of different activities.
Table itinérance de Sherbrooke (TIS) Coordinator Gabriel Pallotta told The Record homelessness is on the rise in the province. The event is an important tool meant to shed light and educate Quebecers on a worsening situation, Pallotta shared in a phone interview.
Homeless encampments have always been around in major cities across Quebec, he continued. But while they were once hidden, the encampments have slowly become more visible, he said. Sherbrooke forced several folks out from under the Joffre Bridge just last year.
Quebecers reflect on homelessness during the Nuit des sans-abri
By Michael Boriero, Local Journalism Initiative
