Community Intervention for
Seniors Living in Social Housing NDG

Number of residents reached : We reached out to residents in 210 apartments across both HLMs, conducting 10 outreach visits per building. The goal was to invite residents to the Community Council’s “December Together” activity, raise awareness about key issues within the HLMs—such as hygiene and violence—and to check in on the well-being of our residents. This project aims to reduce isolation among seniors living in social housing by offering personalized support through a weekly outreach presence in two buildings (HLM Mayfair and HLM Saint Raymond), with additional support provided in other NDG affordable housings as needed. Several challenges continuously emerged, including social isolation, low service-seeking behavior, aggressiveness, and relationship issues in the community rooms. These findings led to a door-to-door outreach in HLM Mayfair conducted in collaboration with SPVM, OMHM, Council, Bienvenue NDG, and New Hope, followed by a survey to residents. In response, we temporarily increased our weekly presence in the community room, expanded one-on-one and door-to-door outreach, and strengthened partnerships to offer workshops and activities that support residents’ overall well-being. Today, the impact of these efforts is visible in the improved social connections and engagement among residents. The Council is also an active member of HLM partners Committee which meets regularly to share information and coordinate our actions.

Mon Ami Technologie (formally known as Tech Savvy)

This program was created to reduce social isolation by bringing residents together in their building’s common room while helping them develop basic technology skills. Two HLM buildings received ID2EM funding this year to offer tech training and create a shared technology space. Outreach began with door-to-door visits to assess individual needs and build familiarity with the program. Bi-weekly sessions were then held in the common rooms, gradually forming a group of regular participants—averaging six per session. While some residents came to learn practical tech skills like emailing or using Excel, others joined simply to socialize. As trust developed, participants began opening up about personal challenges, allowing facilitators to connect them with relevant community resources. This initiative reflects the Council’s mission to combat isolation and build individual capacity through hands-on support and access to essential services.

Community Connectors is one of the most successful mobilising activity the Council uses with residents. This year, seniors from different HLM were offered the workshops and supported through the implementation of activities for their peers. The project included support to HLM Tenants association during the year, organisation of activities with all seniors and guest along with one on one with community connectors willing to improve specific skills.

• 7 social housing buildings were included in the project: HLMs Mayfair, StRaymond, Monkland, Terrebonne and Girouard, LCSG, Chez Soi.
• A total of 505 doors were visited 3 to 6 times each
• Some 430 senior residents benefited directly from the project, either by participating group activities or by personalised support
• 1 newsletter for seniors distributed in buildings
• 5 committees supported to empower individuals themselves: 2 committees created, 1 in the process of formation and 2 existing committees that benefited from our support
• 3 weekly French conversation groups set up in social housing 12 residents each (Terrebonne, Monkland, Girouard)
• 11 neighbourhood partners involved in resident support and consultation seniors
• Monthly meetings of the HLM Committee, bringing together 11 partners