Spending evenings amidst the homeless populace

In the heart of Montreal's metropolis lies the Café Mission, a 24/7 haven for the city's most marginalized residents. This ground-level sanctuary is nestled within an old brewery shelter, serving as a beacon of hope for the lost, the homeless, and the forgotten.

Those who work here, like the resilient duo, Benoît Berthiaume and his partner, Karine Racette, don't necessarily come for the paycheck. Instead, they're driven by an unspoken calling – a sense of purpose that keeps them returning night after night.

"It's not about the money," Benoît explained, his eyes reflecting the demands of his job. "You have to be ready for a world of challenges. Insults, spitting, physical altercations – it's all part of the job."

Benoît, a "proximity interventionist," guards the café's threshold, a role as crucial as a bouncer's in any bustling nightclub. He's got to manage the constant influx of visitors, navigating scuffles and diffusing tensions.

Karine, on the other hand, serves as a psychosocial follow-up interventionist. Her role is multifaceted, providing a reassuring presence for the guests, offering guidance, and serving as a bridge to essential medical services.

The duo's work is far from easy. The café caters to an ever-growing demand, with over 87,000 patrons frequenting the café last year alone. Despite the limited seating of 55 chairs, the café remains full, day and night.

Amidst the chaos, humor and empathy become their most valuable tools. "A smile can change everything," Karine shared. "People don't see them on the streets. Ignorance, indifference – that's what hurts the most."

The challenges are numerous. Mental health issues run rampant, exacerbated by the toxic drugs circulating the streets – crack, crystal meth, fentanyl. The workers must be vigilant, anticipating crises and maintaining strategic distance when needed. De-escalation techniques and a keen sense of situational awareness are vital in maintaining peace in the chaotic environment.

Yet, despite the hardships, the couple finds solace in the knowledge that they've made a difference – however small it may seem. "For me, it's about helping just one person," Karine revealed. "If I can make someone smile, if I can shake away the darkness just a little, then I know our efforts are worthwhile."

The couple's dedication doesn't go unnoticed. Their adult children have followed in their footsteps, pursuing careers in mental health intervention. The legacy of their values lives on, as they continue to inspire change, one heart at a time.

Success stories, like Paul's, serve as testament to the impact the couple has on their community. Homeward-bound after years on the streets, Paul now resides in an apartment and continues to visit the café daily, seeking solace in the friendly faces he's come to know and love.

"My story starts here, and it continues here," Paul shared, his eyes reflecting a sense of warm familiarity.

Despite the numerous challenges that come with their job, Benoît and Karine remain optimistic, driven by their passion to help those in need. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder that despite the darkness, there are still those who stand ready to bring light – one hot drink and warm smile at a time.

Benoît Berthiaume and his partner, Karine Racette, work at Café Mission, a 24/7 haven in the heart of Montreal, despite not earning a substantial salary.
Café Mission has become a beacon of hope for the city's most marginalized residents, serving as a sanctuary for the lost, homeless, and forgotten.
The duo's roles at the café are crucial; Benoît acts as a proximity interventionist, while Karine serves as a psychosocial follow-up interventionist.
The café caters to an ever-growing demand, with over 87,000 patrons frequenting the café last year alone, despite limited seating of 55 chairs.
The workers of Café Mission are often confronted with strong challenges, such as insults, spitting, and physical altercations.
Mental health issues and the toxic substances circulating the streets pose additional challenges, necessitating de-escalation techniques and a keen sense of situational awareness.
Despite the hardships, the couple finds solace in knowing they've made a difference, even if it seems small, and their legacy lives on as their children pursue careers in mental health intervention.