For Iraveen, a resident in the housing program at Passages, having her own apartment marks an important moment in her life. This space allows her to fully be herself, as a trans woman, without fear of judgment. Passages’ mission is to provide a welcoming environment and an inclusive living space for people who identify as women.
“I truly feel accepted here,” says Iraveen.
Escaping violence to find safety
When Iraveen arrives in Montreal in 2019, she is in an abusive relationship she must leave quickly. “I was in a difficult situation,” she explains. “I was moving from one shared apartment to another, and after a while, it just wasn’t working anymore. It was really hard. I also went back and forth to the Passages shelter a few times.”
Then, one day, she receives good news: an apartment at Passages has become available. This place allows her to get back on her feet. The support workers welcome her with respect and kindness. They listen to her, support her, and guide her, making all the difference.
🏠 Passages’ shelter and housing programs
Passages offers emergency and short-term shelter services in a house that can accommodate up to 18 young women aged 18 to 30. Intake is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in a safe environment. Short stays range from a few hours to three days, depending on the individual’s needs.
Meanwhile, Passages’ housing program provides young women with affordable apartments and community support. In partnership with the Société d’habitation populaire de l’Est de Montréal (SHAPEM), the agency offers 14 semi‑furnished units where tenants can stay as long as needed. Two support workers are on site five days a week to help women maintain stable housing and develop their independence.
Creating a safe and personal space
Once settled in, Iraveen turns her apartment into a true cocoon. She explains that to create the perfect atmosphere, she plays with colour, light, and textiles. She even plants flowers on her balcony with the other residents.
“When the sun shines on my balcony, it’s beautiful. It makes the apartment feel really warm,” Iraveen says with a smile.
This simple act takes on symbolic meaning: it’s the first time she’s been able to beautify a space that truly belongs to her.
A community that understands her Experience
Beyond having a place to live, what sustains Iraveen day to day is the connection she builds with the other residents. She adds that they do all kinds of activities together, but what she enjoys most is cooking as a group.
“We cook together and clean up together. We also help organize activities. We’re not alone, but we’re not required to always be surrounded either,” she explains.
She greatly appreciates this balance between independence and community. Trust and respect come first at Passages. Having an apartment also allows her to do things she couldn’t before, like adopting a cat she named Isabel.
Protecting her stability
What she hopes now is that all of this can last. Iraveen wants to enjoy the stability of her apartment alongside her furry companion and the friends she’s made at Passages.
She encourages other women going through difficult times to hold on to hope. “The more you try to stay positive, the better you’ll feel,” she says.
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