Last Sunday in Montreal, Raphaël André, a homeless Innu man, was found dead just a stone’s throw from a shelter that had been closed due to an outbreak of COVID-19.
Raphaël was hiding in a portable toilet to avoid any run-in with police due to the curfew, and that is where he lived his last moments, alone and with a total lack of dignity.
This death is one too many and could have been avoided. It serves as a stark reminder us of the harsh reality of vulnerable people, particularly members of Indigenous communities who find themselves on the street, and sadly, this death reaffirms the urgency of providing such vulnerable people with shelters and resources adapted to their needs, such as Resilience Montreal.
Resilience Montreal helps many Indigenous people who are homeless near Cabot Square with food, offering a safe place to sleep, clean clothes and support to anyone in need. Check out their website here: https://resiliencemontreal.com
To prevent any further deaths, Resilience Montreal is calling upon your solidarity and generosity. Resilience is looking for cash and in-kind donations to set up a warming tent in Cabot Square while the curfew is in effect.
They are also looking for the following in-kind donations:
- 20 Adirondack Chairs
- 20 Blankets
- Radio
- Snacks and Coffee
- Folding Table
- Extension Cords
- Generator
- Gas for Generator
- 4 heaters
TO DONATE TO THE WARMING TENT:
Step 1: Visit http://www.nwsm.info/donate to make your donation (*Note: The Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal is a registered charity that currently serves as the flow-through for Resilience Montreal)
Step 2: Email nakuset@gmail.com with a note specifying that your donation is for the warming tent.
FOR IN-KIND DONATIONS OR GENERAL INQUIRIES
Email nakuset@gmail.com