Click on any question to expand the answer. Please feel free to contact us for more information if needed.
Is Project Genesis’ Storefront only for people who live in the Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood?
No, our Storefront services are available to people from any neighbourhood.
Can anyone use services at Project Genesis? Do I have to be below a certain income level? What if I’m a visitor to Canada, or my status is undocumented?
Within our areas of intervention, our Individual Services are available to everyone. For example, we do not refuse service based on immigration status, age, religion, country of origin, neighbourhood in which you live, income or housing situation. Our services are free of charge and confidential.
Do I need identification papers? What information do I have to provide in order to receive services?
We typically ask for your name and contact information, as well as some identifying questions (such as your country of origin and date of birth) for filing and statistical purposes. These statistics help us analyze our services and allow us to report on our work to funders. However, we never oblige you to provide any identifying personal information, and we will gladly provide services to you even if you choose not to do so.
Do I need a referral to come and see you?
No, you do not need a referral.
What are your opening hours?
You can consult our Storefont page for our current opening hours.
Can I make an appointment?
We are currently offering our services by telephone, and by appointment when needed. Please call us for more information.
What can I do if your opening hours don’t work for me?
You can call us and receive information by phone. We may also be able to direct you to other services that fit your schedule.
I have mobility or vision problems. Is there a way I can receive your services?
Our Home Advocacy Services bring our Storefront services to people’s homes in the case of mobility problems or visual impairment. However, this service is only available if you live within our service boundaries. Please consult the Home Advocacy Services page, or call us for more information.
What kinds of problems can I get help with?
We can provide legal information, advocacy and support on a range of issues, including housing, pensions, welfare and other government programs. You can consult our Storefront page for a more complete and detailed list, or call us if you are not sure. If we do not help with your type of problem, we may be able to refer you to other services or organizations.
Can you help me find an apartment?
No, we do not help specifically with apartment searches. However, we can refer you to resources that could help in your search.
What can I do if many people in my building have the same problem?
Depending on the problem, we can give you information and explain how to follow up. If your building is within our service area, our Outreach team may be able to visit and give information to other tenants. You can also feel free to refer other tenants to our services.
Can I call and speak with a lawyer?
No. Our staff and trained volunteers give information on rights, responsibilities and options based on the law, but we are not a legal aid clinic where you can consult directly with a lawyer. We can refer you to legal services if that is what you need.
Do you have lawyers who can represent me in court?
We do not provide legal services, such as representing people in court. However, we can refer you to legal clinics or to lawyers if necessary.
Do you help with filling out forms?
We help to fill forms related to our areas of intervention. You can consult our Storefront page for more information. In other cases, we may be able to refer you to other places for help.
I am having financial problems. Can you help?
We do not offer money or direct financial assistance. We can help by seeing if you are eligible for benefits and helping you to apply for these benefits. We can also refer you to other resources that can help.
I would like to be involved in the organization. Are there ways that I could volunteer?
Yes! You can consult our Participate page to find out what the various volunteer possibilities are.
How is Project Genesis funded?
Project Genesis is a non-profit organization; people do not pay to access our services. We rely on a combination of public funding, foundation and organizational grants, and private and individual donations to finance our operations. You can consult our Annual Report for a full list of our donors. We are sincerely grateful to them all!
I would like to make a donation. Can I get a receipt for income tax purposes?
We happily accept all donations, regardless of the amount, and will issue a receipt for any donation of $10 or more. Thank you for your generosity!
