Réhabex introduces mobile support unit to aid homeless population in Outaouais
Tashi Farmilo
In a landmark effort to support the homeless population in the Outaouais region, Réhabex, a social rehabilitation organization, has launched an innovative initiative: the Réhabus. This mobile assistance centre, uniquely designed to provide essential services to the homeless, was unveiled on Friday during a gathering of community supporters and local dignitaries.
The Réhabus is no ordinary bus. Fitted with showers, laundry facilities, a snack area, and private spaces for confidential consultations, it aims to restore dignity and provide crucial support to the region’s homeless population. Over the next three years, the Réhabus will travel to strategic locations throughout Gatineau, including the Guertin site, delivering its vital services directly to those in need.
Patrick Pilon, CEO of Réhabex, spoke passionately at the launch event, highlighting the pressing issues of homelessness and the need for basic services. "In our community, there are still individuals who lack access to fundamental necessities like showers and laundry facilities," Pilon said. "The Réhabus is our response to this urgent need, offering dignity and hope to those who are often overlooked."
The Réhabus project is ambitious, with annual operating costs estimated at $275,000. The initial investment for the bus and its modifications amounted to approximately $160,000. Funding and support have come from a variety of sources, including Dilawri Auto, Devcore, the City of Gatineau, CISSSO, and numerous local businesses and individuals. These contributions underscore the community’s commitment to tackling homelessness.
The launch event was attended by several political figures, reflecting broad-based support for the initiative. Among them were Suzanne Tremblay, MNA for Hull, Mathieu Lévesque, MNA for Chapleau, and Steve Moran, Councillor for the District of Hull-Wright, as well as Mario Aubé, Councillor for the District of Masson-Angers. Julie Gervais attended on behalf of Steven MacKinnon, MP for Gatineau, further signifying the project's importance.
"We are thrilled to have the backing of our political leaders," Pilon noted. "Their presence here today is a powerful endorsement of the Réhabus and its mission to provide essential services to those in need."
The Réhabus will not only operate within Gatineau but will also extend its services to Pontiac, Petite-Nation, and Maniwaki, starting next Monday. The bus is expected to facilitate over 3,500 interventions annually, encompassing everything from basic hygiene services to employability and alternative justice support. This wide-ranging approach aims to address both immediate needs and long-term rehabilitation.
Pilon extended heartfelt thanks to key partners and contributors who made the Réhabus possible. Notable mentions included Karine Chatel from Gîte Ami, with special recognition given to Guy Paquet for his plumbing expertise and Impression Turbo Printing for their graphic design work.
The event’s atmosphere was charged with optimism and a sense of collective purpose. Pilon acknowledged the invaluable contributions of his team and the broader community, emphasizing that the Réhabus is a project "for the community, by the community."
Photo caption: Community leaders gathered in Gatineau to support the launch of Réhabex's Réhabus, a mobile assistance centre providing essential services to the homeless in the Outaouais region.
Photo credit: Tashi Farmilo
