Programs
WELLNESS
For more information, please contact:
The Housing Coordinator
Managed Alcohol Program (MAP)
This residential program reduces obstacles to permanent housing for Indigenous women and men living with chronic and severe alcohol use disorder. The program provides an affordable option for housing with wrap-around services for up to nine women and men, including a supervised alcohol service in the house.
Program objectives for residents are:
- Offer a space that promotes stability and better quality of life.
- Improve access to primary health services.
- Surround participants with significant community support.
- Connect or reconnect participants to their Indigenous cultures and traditions.
Program advantages include:
- A private or shared room in the newly renovated Maison Akhwà:tsire; 6 places are wheelchair accessible
- Access to a quiet, outdoor garden
- Weekly visits from the CHUM doctor and/or nurse
- Access to an on-site Auxiliary Nurse, case worker, and Indigenous knowledge keeper
- Increased socialization with roommates who live in the house
- Stabilization of alcohol consumption through a supervised alcohol service
- 24/7 Intervention support
- Connection or re-connection with Indigenous culture and roots
- Participation in regular cultural, artistic, and outdoor activities
For more information, please contact:
Life Skills Program Coordinator
Life Skills
The Life Skills program is designed for Indigenous urban community members. The purpose of life skills is to equip individuals with the abilities and tools necessary to effectively handle the demands, challenges, and responsibilities of daily life. Life skills help individuals develop confidence, resilience, and the ability to make informed decisions. These skills are essential for personal development, social relationships, and productive participation in society.
Life skills foster independence, critical thinking, and problem-solving, supporting people in managing stress, communicating effectively, and building healthy relationships. Ultimately, life skills enable individuals to live with purpose, integrity, and wellbeing.
Objectives of Life Skills
The program’s objectives center around:
- Fostering community: connect with fellow participants and build a strong sense of community support.
- Learning new life skills
- Building confidence and self-esteem: Develop a positive self-image and belief in your capabilities.
- Connect with your Indigenous culture: Reconnect with your cultural heritage and traditions.
Hosted at PAQ sites in downtown Montreal, the Life Skills program offers a diverse range of workshops, engaging activities, outings, and immersive cultural experiences.
For more information, please contact:
The Safe Start Program Coordinator
Safe Start Program
Safe Start Program is a homelessness prevention program offered to Indigenous peoples who are experiencing their first episode of homelessness, or who have recently arrived in Montreal. This service lessens the severity of cultural shock by providing a proactive, positive, culturally adapted introduction to the urban space.
By collaborating with other services and organizations, the Safe Start Coordinator provides:
- Support at the airport or bus station.
- Accompaniment to culturally adapted resources.
- Orientation to the city of Montreal
- Accompaniment to appointments for housing, banking, social assistance, etc. Communication with family or services in home communities
- Logistical support for return travel to home community
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
For more information, please contact:
The Community Health Program Coordinator
Community Health Program
Working in partnership with the CHUM and other health facilities in Montréal, and combining western and traditional holistic approaches, the Community Health team accompanies homeless Indigenous peoples to access physical and mental health services, both in hospital, and out-patient. Support is provided for critical and chronic health issues, with the program providing elders, translators, spiritual healers, and accompaniments to ensure the best possible care and follow-up.
The program also plays an important role to advocate for more culturally safe health care services within the public system.
Restorative Justice and Community Wellness Program
The Restorative Justice program fosters healing, reconciliation, and fairness within the emergency shelters, transition housing and permanent housing at PAQ. Policies and procedures around barring have been revised to reflect a more compassionate, community-centered approach through a restorative justice lens.
To ensure meaningful dialogue, the coordinator facilitates monthly community consultations across all sites, creating space for open feedback between community members and PAQ management. Weekly sharing circles are held, providing a safe and culturally grounded space for reflection, healing, and connection.
For more information, please contact:
The Volunteer and Community Engagement Officer
Volunteer and Community Engagement Program
PAQ welcomes the support and involvement of volunteers. Volunteers play a critical role at PAQ to ensure services respond to the needs of the urban Indigenous community.
The volunteer and community engagement program is looking for individuals to provide:
- Meal preparation and service
- Activities and animation
- Donation sorting
- Help at special events and cultural activities
- Accompaniment of community members to appointments and activities
If you’re interested in getting to know our community, consider becoming a volunteer! To become a volunteer, please click here.
For more information, please contact:
Shuttle Bus Program
PAQ’s shuttle bus program is a vital service for the Indigenous community within Montreal, providing transportation to partner organizations, the airport, and medical appointments at CHUM and the McGill University Health Network. In the evenings, the shuttle supports Indigenous peoples seeking emergency shelters, ensuring safe access to these facilities. An onboard intervention worker provides safety and assistance to community members throughout their journey.
The shuttle bus program provides continuous coverage in three shifts:
- Morning: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Afternoon: 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- Evening/Night: 5:30 PM – 12:30 AM