What began as an initiative to connect with at-risk youth has, more than three decades later, become a cornerstone of community outreach for the homeless in the provincial capital. Le Marginal—a mobile service operated by the Quebec City Central Council of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul—is today celebrating over 30 years of dedication to the most vulnerable.
Established in 1993 at the initiative of Brother Fernand Genois, Le Marginal emerged at a time when the deinstitutionalization of people with mental health issues, combined with rising juvenile delinquency, was profoundly transforming the Saint-Roch and Saint-Sauveur neighborhoods. Inspired by the work of Father Emmett “Pops” Johns in Montreal, the project was founded on a simple conviction.
Brother Fernand would often say “They aren’t tough guys; they’re teenagers“, reminding everyone that behind the difficult behaviors lay young people who, above all, needed to be heard and supported.
Aboard a 1965 Winnebago purchased for just $4,400, the first volunteers roamed the Carré d’Youville area to offer hot dogs, doughnuts, hot coffee, and—above all—human connection. The needs they encountered soon expanded beyond just working with youth to encompass a growing population of people experiencing homelessness.
Over the years, Le Marginal has evolved without ever losing sight of its core mission. After several vehicles wore out from thousands of hours on the road, a new motorhome was acquired in 2009; it was then completely refitted in 2023—thanks to an investment of over $150,000—to create a more welcoming environment better suited to current realities.
Today, the team distributes full meals, snacks, clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, and essential supplies. But the assistance doesn’t stop there. Outreach workers also provide a listening ear, psychosocial support, and crisis intervention, while directing individuals to appropriate resources.
“Le Marginal is about much more than just a meal. It is an open, welcoming space,” notes outreach worker Marie-Élaine Michaud. This approach is rooted in unconditional acceptance, enabling vulnerable individuals to build lasting bonds of trust with the outreach team.
“Our goal is not just to meet an immediate need, but to build a connection that will allow the person to regain confidence and accept help when the time is right,” explains Marie-Élaine.
The year 2025 saw a significant increase in investment to strengthen outreach efforts. The team stepped up the distribution of sandwiches, drinks, backpacks, and essential supplies, while maintaining a psychosocial approach centered on building connections.
“Every interaction counts. A conversation lasting just a few minutes can sometimes make all the difference in a person’s journey,” says Alexandra Biron.
This evolution also reflects changes observed on the ground. For several years, outreach workers have noted a marked increase in younger clients—a trend that echoes the project’s very origins.
They sum it up this way: “Realities change, but our mission remains the same: to reach out to the most vulnerable individuals, without judgment and with dignity.”
Le Marginal is part of the broader mission of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in Quebec City, which supports tens of thousands of families through food banks, school retention programs, Chez Vincent non-profit thrift shops, and numerous community initiatives.
Backed by hundreds of volunteers, the organization continues to innovate to meet the needs of their neighbours in need in Quebec City.
More than thirty years after its launch, Le Marginal remains a symbol of commitment, solidarity, and dignity. In a society where homelessness remains a major challenge, this daily presence serves as a reminder that a meal, a conversation, or a simple gesture of welcome can sometimes be the first step toward rebuilding one’s life.
