Homelessness is growing in Quebec: provincial numbers put out in September show that visible homelessness nearly doubled between 2018-2022. Almost half of those people live in Montreal.

While advocates say there's more our governments can do, individuals are also taking action. One way they are doing so is at the Nuit des sans-abri. Hosted by the Réseau Solidarité Itinérance du Québec (RISQ), the event has helped Quebecers learn about and stand in solidarity with their unhoused neighbours for 34 years. This year's event will take place Friday, Oct. 20.

For the RISQ's Julia Ouellet, it's crucial that people learn about the issues vulnerable populations are facing. "When we don't know, we're just afraid," she says. For her, it's especially important at a time when more people are living in encampments, which often face opposition from housed neighbours.

At Montreal's event, there will be lots of ways to learn, as well as food and music. The event starts at 6 p.m. at Place Émilie Gamelin, with a solidarity march beforehand, meeting at 4:30 p.m. in Square Phillips.

Listen to the full interview below: