Roger-Luc Chayer (Image : Meta / Gay Globe)
A Global Phenomenon in Major Cities
Homelessness linked to the housing crisis is increasingly being discussed in major cities around the world, whether in Montreal, Paris, or elsewhere in North America and Europe. Skyrocketing rents in Montreal, Paris, New York, or Berlin are no coincidence. These cities continue to attract residents seeking jobs, education, or an urban lifestyle, but the housing supply does not keep pace.
Construction is expensive, land is scarce, permits take time, and materials—as well as labor—come at a high cost. Additionally, real estate has become a financial asset before being a home, attracting investors and speculators who drive up prices. Short-term rental platforms also remove thousands of apartments from the traditional rental market.
Governments today seem to be chasing the crisis after years of neglecting social and affordable housing. The result: a perfect storm making housing increasingly inaccessible for a large portion of the population.
LGBTQ2S+ People Particularly Affected
Statistics and Daily Reality
Unfortunately, gay, lesbian, and trans individuals are even more affected by the housing crisis, with many ending up homeless because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
A survey conducted during a census day in Quebec shows that people identifying as LGBTQ are overrepresented among the visibly homeless population in Montreal. Across Canada, an estimated 20% to 40% of youth experiencing homelessness belong to this community, often after being rejected by their families.
The rental vacancy rate in Quebec stood at just 1.7% in fall 2022, well below the equilibrium threshold of 3%. In this context, discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals when seeking apartments becomes a decisive factor. Between April 2018 and October 2022, visible homelessness surged by 44% in Quebec, including 33% in Montreal. In the city, approximately 4,690 people lived on the streets in 2022, out of 10,000 across the province.
The Village: Between Refuge and Precarity
The Village, historically known as a safe space for LGBTQ+ people, is now one of the most visible faces of this issue. Local witnesses and community organizations describe a reality marked by homelessness, addictions, and rising crime. “An overwhelming number of homeless people are LGBTQ2S+,” reports Xtra Magazine. This reality shows that a place once considered a refuge has also become a zone of significant precarity.
Local Initiatives and Solutions
Recent Projects in Montreal
In response to the crisis, initiatives are emerging. In February 2024, the Christin building opened with 114 units accompanied by psychosocial support. A few months later, $115 million was allocated to 51 emergency and transitional housing projects, providing over 500 additional places by 2026.
In August 2025, the city invested $22.5 million in 42 community projects, ranging from modular housing to support shuttles. Despite these efforts, shelters remain full, tent encampments multiply, and many social workers report a deep sense of helplessness.
Useful Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth
Montreal
- Dans la rue: emergency shelter, psychosocial services, and housing for trans and non-binary youth. danslarue.org
- Coalition des groupes jeunesse LGBTQIA+ du Québec: resources for organizations helping 2SLGBTQIA+ youth at risk. ccglm.org
- GRIS-Montréal: educational support and guidance for LGBTQ+ youth aged 14–25. gris.ca
Paris
- Le Refuge: emergency shelter and social support for LGBTQ+ youth.
- Maison des Adolescents de Paris (MDA Paris): support for young people in difficulty, including LGBTQ+ issues.
Europe
- FEANTSA: research and services on homelessness among LGBTIQ+ people. feantsa.org
- ILGA-Europe: information on rights and services for LGBTIQ+ individuals.
North America
- Covenant House: comprehensive support for homeless youth, including LGBTQ+.
- True Colors United: programs addressing LGBTQ+ youth homelessness.
- The Trevor Project: suicide prevention and support for homeless LGBTQ+ youth.
Hotlines
- YouthLine (Ontario, Canada): peer support for 2SLGBTQ+ youth, Sunday to Friday, 4–9 p.m. EST.
- LGBT National Help Center (U.S.): support and chat rooms for youth under 19.
Government Responsibility
The housing and homelessness crisis in Montreal disproportionately affects LGBTQ2S+ people. Discrimination, overrepresentation among the homeless, and lack of tailored resources increase their vulnerability.
Unfortunately, governments seem to be “asleep at the wheel.” Rather than addressing the root causes, they provide only small, temporary budgets. Meanwhile, citizens and communities continue to bear the cost of this inaction.
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