Pubdate: Thu, 01 Nov 2007 Source: Montreal Gazette (CN QU) Copyright: 2007 The Gazette, a division of Southam Inc. Contact: http://www.canada.com/montreal/montrealgazette/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/274 Author: Natalie Goldenberg-Fife GROUP OFFERS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE STREET For Those Ill From Drug Abuse Or Prostitution, Success Can Be Measured In Small Daily Events It is hard to imagine anyone who turns down the road toward drug addiction, prostitution or homelessness sees much light at the end of the tunnel. But thanks to funding received from Centraide of Greater Montreal, there is a place that helps brighten some otherwise dark situations. Spectre de rue, a community organization on Ontario St. E., began in 1994. Its mission is to intervene downtown to prevent troubled youth from ending up on the street, while reducing the risks associated with prostitution, drug abuse and homelessness. "When our members come here, they say, 'I didn't prostitute or use (drugs) today.' To me, that is great and amazing," said Gilles Beauregard, executive director of Spectre de rue. "All the people who come here have big problems, like HIV or hepatitis C. When they stay at home, all they do is think about their problems. "So by taking them out of their isolation and putting them into positive environments, they get the opportunity to forget a little bit." One way the centre helps its members to forget about their problems is through the Paid Alternative Work Day program, known by the French acronym TAPAJ, which began in 1999. The program provides small contracts of two to three hours of work a day, at about $10 an hour, during weekdays. "Our clients will call at 10 a.m. to work that same afternoon," Beauregard said. "The work could involve painting murals, cleaning alleys or planting trees. We have so many things for them to do. Gas stations have paid our workers to clean up needles. "There is even administrative work available to some." Beauregard recognizes that some would argue the program provides drug users with money that could just perpetuate their problems. "That is not an issue, because we don't want to ask what they do with the money," he said. "It is very important not to ask this. What we are trying to do with these people is to establish a good and trusting relationship with them. "This confidence is very necessary if we expect to do something else with them, like help them get off the streets or off drugs. "By putting them in work situations that give them success, we create a situation that will lead them to want more success." Spectre de rue offers other programs, including a drop-in centre that provides counselling information and referrals. A home health care service is also available. Centraide of Greater Montreal funds 360 community agencies that in turn assist about 500,000 people. To donate, call 514-288-1261 or go to the website www.centraide-mtl.org To learn more about Spectre de rue, call 514-528-1700 or go to www.spectrederue.org - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom