By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
On Oct. 18, the Table Itinérance de Sherbrooke (TIS) hosted its 23rd annual “Nuit des sans-abri”, an event aimed at raising awareness about homelessness, social exclusion, and poverty in the region. The event, themed “100 Faces, One Home,” took place at Marché de la Gare, gathering community members, volunteers, and organizers to show solidarity and call for action.
Gabriel Pallotta, coordinator of the TIS, opened the event’s press conference by welcoming attendees and acknowledging the community’s support. “We are lucky in Sherbrooke to have this level of support,” Pallotta noted, referring to the city’s assistance in providing equipment for the event. He expressed gratitude to volunteers and community partners who helped organize the activities, which included Indigenous workshops, hot beverages, and food prepared by local groups.
The event commenced with a solidarity march from the Hôtel de Ville, demonstrating community commitment to addressing the growing homelessness crisis. By 6 p.m., attendees gathered at the Marché de la Gare for the official opening. The evening featured various activities such as open mic sessions, music, and artistic initiatives like the Les Ruches d’Art, an interactive art hive for participants to engage in creative expression.
Andréa Verreault, president of the board of the TIS, delivered a poignant message highlighting the pressing need for concrete action. She emphasized that despite past efforts, the homelessness crisis has only intensified, and current government support remains insufficient. “The bathtub is overflowing, and all we have is a tiny yellow shovel to deal with it,” Verreault stated.
Verreault outlined several demands from the TIS, stressing the importance of year-round access to essential services like clean water and sanitary facilities. She also called for increased financial support for social housing initiatives and a long-term commitment from the government to ensure effective and sustainable solutions. “Give us the funds and programs, and we’ll adapt our services accordingly,” Verreault urged, advocating for flexibility in government policies to better meet the needs of the homeless population.
The theme for this year’s “Nuit des sans-abri”, “100 Faces,” was chosen to illustrate the diverse experiences and realities of homelessness in Sherbrooke. According to organizers, the event aimed to highlight that homelessness affects people from various walks of life, including individuals who may not fit the traditional image of a person experiencing homelessness. As Verreault noted during her speech, the portrait of homelessness has diversified significantly, making it essential for the community to recognize and respond to the complex challenges faced by different groups.
