Isolation, lack of sleep, and difficulty finding housing worsen mental health issues and increase risks related to consumption. It is a vicious cycle that organizations like Benoît Labre, which offer shelter, a community kitchen, and safe consumption spaces, try to break every day.
Benoît Labre has been established in the neighbourhood for a long time. It is a community pillar and an indispensable partner of Médecins du Monde. Without them, we would not be able to reach marginalized and disenfranchised individuals who are excluded from the healthcare system and in need of physical and mental health care.
These individuals, full-fledged citizens, live in the neighbourhood and have their routines there, just like housed individuals. They will not leave, even if resources close.
A quick reminder: social cohesion is everyone’s responsibility, and organizations are already doing more than their share.
