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 Homelessness or houselessness – also known as a state of being unhoused or unsheltered – is the condition of lacking stable, safe, and adequate housing. People can be categorized as homeless if they are: * living on the streets, also kn ...

and at-risk youth in the Centre-Sud area of Montreal.

History

Dans la Rue was founded by in 1988 by Catholic priest Father Emmett "Pops" Johns, who sought to help homeless youth in a non-judgemental, open minded way . With a personal loan of $10 000, he purchased a used

winnebago Winnebago can refer to: * The exonym of the Ho-Chunk tribe of Native North Americans with reservations in Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin ** Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, a federally recognized tribe group in the state ** The Winnebago language of the ...

and began driving nightly shifts through the streets of downtown Montreal, serving hot dogs and distributing clothing, personal care products, and nonperishable foods. Over the years the organization grew, opening an overnight shelter in 1993, known as The Bunker, the Chez Pops day centre in 1997, as well permanent housing units, and family services. Johns retired from active involvement in 2016 and died on January 13, 2018, aged 89. In recent years Dans la Rue has been a co-organizer of ''Nuit dans la Rue'', which raises awareness about homelessness in Canada.

Services

Today Dans la Rue has evolved into a multi-disciplinary team of professionals and volunteers, headed by a leadership team and board of directors. Chez Pops Day Centre: Since 1997, the day centre offers a wide variety of services including basic needs (food, clothing, showers), access to social workers and health care professionals as well as

job training Vocational education is education that prepares people to work as a technician or to take up employment in a skilled craft or trade as a tradesperson or artisan. Vocational Education can also be seen as that type of education given to an ind ...

and help finding housing. Other services offered include music and

art therapy Art therapy (not to be confused with ''arts therapy'', which includes other creative therapies such as drama therapy and music therapy) is a distinct discipline that incorporates creative methods of expression through visual art media. Art thera ...

and continued education. The Bunker: Since 1993, The Bunker operates as a night shelter for youth ages 12 to 21. The Van: Since 1988, The Van, a modified

motorcade A motorcade, or autocade, is a procession of vehicles. Etymology The term ''motorcade'' was coined by Lyle Abbot (in 1912 or 1913 when he was automobile editor of the ''Arizona Republican''), and is formed after ''cavalcade'', playing off of ...

, distributes food (traditionally hot dogs) and other not perishable items nightly throughout downtown Montreal and the surrounding areas.

Popular culture

Episode 6 of Historia 's ''Dans Les Pas De'' documentary series is about Dans La Rue and its activities. The 2020 non-fiction novel ''L'Enfer d'une Fille de Rue'', also focuses on the organization and street youth in Montreal more broadly.

References

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 *Curran Peggy. (2012, Feb. 15). More kids on street, more calls for help: Demands dealt with by Dans la rue have broadened, as problems faced by street kids become more complex. Part 1 of 2. The Montreal Gazette. Retrieved from https://montrealgazette.com/news/More+kids+street+more+calls+help/6153169/story.html *Curran Peggy. (2012, Feb. 16) For street people of all ages, mental health a critical issue. Part 2 or 2. The Montreal Gazette. Retrieved from https://montrealgazette.com/news/Mental+illness+rise+street+people/6159806/story.html *Schwartz, Susan. (2001, October 3). Tasteful charity event for Dans la rue. The Montreal Gazette. Retrieved from https://montrealgazette.com/technology/Tasteful+charity+event+Dans/5492026/story.html *Clara Chapdelaine, C. & Aroni, F. (2007). Child Justice in Canada and the Four Ps: Protection, Prosecition, Prevention, and Participation. Canadian Criminology, 15(3). pp 267–284. DOI: 10.1007/s10612-007-9036-2 {{DEFAULTSORT:Dans La Rue Organizations established in 1988 Homelessness charities Homeless shelters in Canada Charities based in Canada Non-profit organizations based in Montreal Centre-Sud