Community asked to step in as aging mental-health residence desperately needs renovations

Maison Farley, a mental-health residence, is seeking community support to fund urgent repairs.

The Maison Farley, a home for people living with mental health challenges in the West Island, is in need of urgent repairs. With a lack of funding, residents and advocates have turned to the community for help.

Many of the apartments in the home have kitchens without appliances, old washrooms and plumbing systems that need upgrading.

Genevieve Simard with the non-profit L’Île des Amis, who helps run the home, says three units in the building have been empty since July because there is no funding available to renovate them.

The Maison Farley has been in operation since 1992, with the Quebec government providing money that goes toward staffing. But when it comes to maintenance, Simard says the responsibility falls elsewhere.

“It’s very sad for us to be in that position because we have a growing demand in the mental health community for apartments,” she says.

Paul Farley has been calling this place home since 1998. His mother, Joan Farley, was the founder of the residence.

“When you have a low income, it’s tough to live on lower incomes,” he says.

The building houses 25 residents and apartments are affordable, with rent under $500 a month. There is also a shared kitchen and space to do artwork.

Paul’s sister, Mary-Clare Tanguay, says homes like this are few and far between.

“So really, it’s the only community housing that’s available in the West Island,” she says.

A choir called Aurora Chorealis is stepping up, volunteering time to clean units.

“So today we have between 10 to 15 people coming up throughout the day,” says Anna Graham with the choir.

The choir is also planning a concert in June to raise money that will go toward the building’s repair.

But it won’t be enough. Simard estimates repairs could cost between $60,000 and $100,000. The organization will have to rely heavily on donations.

“We need your help. We need our community’s help,” Simard says.