Montreal shelters helping homeless people dealing with mental health issues are getting a $300,000 boost from the Bell Let's Talk initiative.
The money will go towards expanding the Prism program that began in 2013, offering help for the clientele of Accueil Bonneau, the Old Brewery Mission and the Welcome Hall Mission.
The program provides temporary shelter and support from social workers, nurses and psychiatrists.
The number of beds offered within the program has increased from 10 to 42.
60% of Prism participants finish the program & transition to long-term housing. Program helps peeps at @AccueilBonneau, @whmba & @missionOBM w/ temp shelter & support from social workers, nurses, psychiatrists.$300K from @Bell_LetsTalk will expand program. #CJAD800 #BeIlLetsTalk pic.twitter.com/NjfCVcKwST
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) January 30, 2019
As many as 35% of homeless people - and up to 75% of homeless women - suffer from mental illness.
Accueuil Bonneau said that about 70% of its clientele are dealing with some form of mental illness.
The Let's Talk initiative to spread more awareness about mental health challenges was started in 2010 by Bell, which owns several media properties including CJAD 800.
Matthew Pearce prez & CEO of @missionOBM says the Prism program has helped many of their homeless clients who were dealing with mental health issues. #CJAD800 #BellLetsTalk pic.twitter.com/DquwdO8swm
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) January 30, 2019