A brighter future for PAQ

Since the announcement of a new building for the Projets Autochtones du Québec (PAQ) homeless shelter in early July, the project is proceeding on schedule. After a turbulent year during which the organization was on the verge of closing, the management staff and volunteers were able to turn the situation around, bringing a renewed hope for the coming year.

Since its last annual assembly, PAQ succeeded in acquiring charitable status to help maintain s source of income for the non-profit organization. The homeless shelter provides food and accommodations for Montreal’s homeless Aboriginals as well as giving them a connection to their cultures through events and workshops.

PAQ’s much-needed work has led to sizeable funding from the City of Montreal. “Today, I’m proud to be able to say that PAQ is among the recognized institutions of the Montreal community,” said PAQ President Joey Saganash.

It is not just the city that has recognized PAQ’s valuable contribution to the fabric of the Native community of Quebec. Makivik, the legal representative of Quebec’s Inuit, has pledged $80,000 over two years. Hunters and trappers from all over Quebec have been sharing wild game with the shelter to allow residents occasional meals of traditional foods.

With new funding, a new building on the horizon and a wealth of hard-working staff and partners, PAQ is looking to 2014 with a renewed vigour.