More than 70 Montreal households are still living in emergency housing as the city's affordability crisis deepens, according to reports on Quebec's unofficial moving day, July 1, 2026. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle for affordable housing in the province's largest city.
Emergency housing numbers climb
Data from community organizations shows that over 70 families have been placed in emergency shelters or temporary accommodations because they cannot find affordable rentals. This marks a significant increase from previous years, with advocates blaming rising rents and low vacancy rates.
"We are seeing more and more families coming to us with no options," said a spokesperson for a Montreal housing advocacy group. "The system is overwhelmed."
Affordability worsens across the city
The crisis is not limited to emergency housing. Average rents in Montreal have risen by over 10% in the past year, while incomes have stagnated. The vacancy rate remains below 2%, giving landlords little incentive to lower prices. Many tenants are forced to spend more than 30% of their income on housing, a threshold considered unaffordable by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
"We need immediate action from all levels of government," said the advocate. "Without it, more people will end up on the streets."
Impact on vulnerable populations
The crisis disproportionately affects low-income families, seniors, and newcomers. Single mothers and people with disabilities are among those hardest hit. Many have been forced to move multiple times in the past year, disrupting children's education and access to healthcare.
"It's a nightmare," said one mother of three, who has been in emergency housing for four months. "We just want a stable home."
Calls for policy change
Advocates are calling for increased investment in social housing, rent control measures, and better tenant protections. They argue that the current market-driven approach has failed to address the root causes of the crisis.
"Housing is a human right," said the advocate. "We need to treat it as such."
