Montreal’s streets are rich in art, culture, and a joie de vivre that weaves through its iconic spiral staircases. However, beneath this vibrant energy lies a dark reality we can no longer overlook. According to the Service Régional de L’Itinérance (2025), nearly half of Quebec’s homeless population is concentrated in Montreal, with visible homelessness increasing by a staggering 33% since 2018. This crisis demands immediate action and the implementation of more robust social policies and support services to address this growing issue.
Factors such as low income, mental health challenges, social marginalization, and escalating rent costs are contributing to this pressing concern in 2025, as reported by Centraide (2025). In response to this ongoing crisis, an educational exhibit has been developed to raise awareness and encourage meaningful change.
The new exhibit, No Fixed Address: Homelessness & the Law, located on the main floor of the Nahum Gelber Law Library, presents resources related to homelessness and housing issues, particularly within the context of housing laws. Alongside these materials, photographs depicting the harsh realities of homelessness are displayed, paired with poignant quotes from newspapers highlighting the profound struggle of living without a place to call home. The photographs evoke a deep sense of isolation, shame and longing, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of those without permanent shelter.
Additionally, the exhibit features documents that highlight the critical importance of legal intervention. As future legal professionals, law students are uniquely positioned to advocate for significant change within the city. By engaging in these issues and working towards more effective and equitable housing laws, they have the opportunity to shape Montreal’s future, ensuring that every resident has access to safe and stable housing, and that all Montrealers are afforded the dignity of a permanent address.
Exhibition curated by Sonia Smith and Jessica Fernandes
