Dans la Rue


Dans la Rue (formerly known as Le Bon Dieu Dans la Rue ) is a secular non-profit operating in English and French to meet the immediate needs of homeless and at-risk youth in the Centre-Sud area of Montreal.

Dans la Rue
Chez Pops
Formation1988
FounderEmmett Johns
Founded atMontreal
TypeNon-profit
138449020 RR 0001
PurposeHomeless and at-risk youth ages 12-25
Headquarters533 Rue Ontario Est (administrative)
Coordinates1662 Rue Ontario Est (day centre)
Services
  • Night shelter
  • Social reintegration
  • Psychological support
  • Food and basic needs
  • External referrals
Official language
French, English
WebsiteDanslarue.org

History

This organization was founded by in 1988 by Father Emmett "Pops" Johns, who sought to help homeless youth with empathy and acceptance without judgment. With a personal loan of $10 000, he purchased a used Winnebago and began driving nightly shifts through the streets of downtown Montreal, serving hot dogs and distributing clothing, personal care products, and nonperishable foods.[1]

Dans la Rue has since grown, adding the Bunker youth overnight shelter, the Chez Pops day centre in 1997, permanent housing units, and family services.[1] It has evolved into a multi-disciplinary team of skilled professionals and dedicated volunteers, headed by a leadership team and board of directors, all committed to fulfilling Johns's vision of helping youth survive the streets and learn the skills necessary to build a brighter and more independent future.[2]

Johns retired from active involvement in 2016[3] and died on January 13, 2018 aged 89.[4]

Mission

Dans La Rue cares for the immediate needs of homeless and at-risk youth, and helps them acquire the skills and resources need to lead more autonomous and rewarding lives.[5] Fr. Johns' philosophy, "to help without judgment", inspired this approach.[1]

Services

Working with partners in numerous focus areas, Dans la Rue concentrates on meeting basic needs (food, shelter, clothing), mental and physical health, addressing legal and administrative issues, education and career-building, and parental skills.[6]

Emergency services

The Van (La Roulotte) is an RV that serves as a mobile point of contact for street-involved youth. Volunteers distribute food and clothing and may refer users to other services upon request. The Van's circuit covers most of downtown Montreal.

The Bunker Emergency Shelter, opened in 1993, provides bed, showers, and meals to 17 youths from 12 to 21. Specialized counsellors are available for additional services and referrals.

Services and programs for long-term stability

The Day Centre was opened in 1997 and provides meals, hygienic products, clothing, and non-perishable food. The Centre also offers legal services, an on-site school, and recreational workshops.

The Family Services program aims to develop the parenting skills of street-involved youth.

As of December 2014, Dans la Rue operates 17 permanent housing units, which are able to lodge 15 young people and two families.

References
  1. "Father Emmett Johns "Pops" – Organization helping homeless and at-risk youth in Montreal – Dans la rue". Dans la rue - Organisme d'aide aux jeunes sans-abri, en situation d’itinérance ou précaire à Montréal. Retrieved 2019-07-16.
  2. "Our history – Organization helping homeless and at-risk youth in Montreal - Dans la rue". Dans la rue - Organisme d'aide aux jeunes sans-abri, en situation d’itinérance ou précaire à Montréal. Retrieved 2019-07-16.
  3. Meagher, John; March 16, Montreal Gazette Updated; 2016 (2016-03-13). "Legacy of Father "Pops" lives on at Dans La Rue in Montreal | Montreal Gazette". Retrieved 2019-07-16.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  4. "Father Emmett Johns "Pops" – Organization helping homeless and at-risk youth in Montreal – Dans la rue". Dans la rue - Organisme d'aide aux jeunes sans-abri, en situation d’itinérance ou précaire à Montréal. Retrieved 2019-07-16.
  5. "About Us – Dans la rue – Organization helping homeless and at-risk youth in Montreal". Dans la rue - Organisme d'aide aux jeunes sans-abri, en situation d’itinérance ou précaire à Montréal. Retrieved 2019-07-16.
  6. "Where to find help – Organization helping homeless and at-risk youth in Montreal – Dans la rue". Dans la rue - Organisme d'aide aux jeunes sans-abri, en situation d’itinérance ou précaire à Montréal. Retrieved 2019-07-16.

Bibliography
  • Karabanow, J. (1999). Creating community: a case study of a Montreal street kid agency. Community development journal, v. 34 (4), 318. Doi:10.1300/J137v13n02_04
  • Karabanow, J. (2008). Getting off the street: Exploring the process of young people’s street exits. American Behavioral Scientist, 51, 772. DOI: 10.1177/0002764207311987
  • Boivin, J.F., & Roy, É., & Haley, N., Galbaud du Fort, G,. (2005). The health of street youth. Canadian journal of public health, v.96(6), 432. Retrieved from

http://www.med.mcgill.ca/epidemiology/courses/EPIB591/Fall%202010/Class%201%20-%201%20Sept/Boivin%20-%20Canadian%20J%20Public%20Health%202005.pdf

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.