Saint-Jérôme Denies Directing Homeless Individuals to hospital, Clarifies facts

The City of Saint-Jérôme and its Police Department have issued a statement clarifying recent reports alleging a municipal directive to force homeless individuals to seek care at the hospital. Officials emphatically deny issuing such a directive and are correcting what thay describe as inaccuracies circulating in the media and online.

Background and Initial Reports

Reports emerged alleging that the Saint-Jérôme Police Department was actively directing individuals experiencing homelessness to the hospital, even when their medical needs didn’t warrant emergency care. Thes reports sparked concern from advocacy groups and raised questions about the city’s approach to addressing homelessness. Initial reports suggested a deliberate policy aimed at removing homeless individuals from public spaces.

City’s Official Response

In a press release issued on December 17,2025,the City of Saint-Jérôme stated that no such directive exists.According to the release, police intervention has been limited to situations where individuals were visibly in distress, exhibiting signs of medical or psychological crisis, or posing a danger to themselves or others. City of Saint-Jérôme Official Website

The city explained that officers are trained to assess situations and, when appropriate, offer assistance and connect individuals with available social services. This assistance can include transportation to the hospital if a medical evaluation is deemed necessary. Though, the city stresses that this is not a systematic effort to displace homeless individuals.

Clarification of Police Actions

The Saint-Jérôme Police Department further clarified that their actions are guided by the principles of public safety and the well-being of vulnerable individuals. Officers are obligated to intervene when someone’s health or safety is at risk. Saint-Jérôme Police Department Website

Police officials emphasized that they work in collaboration with local social service organizations to provide support and resources to people experiencing homelessness. This includes referrals to shelters, mental health services, and other assistance programs.

Addressing Concerns About Hospital Capacity

The city also acknowledged concerns raised about the potential strain on hospital resources. They stated that they are working with the hospital to ensure that emergency services are not unduly burdened by non-emergency cases. The goal is to provide appropriate care to those who need it while also addressing the underlying issues contributing to homelessness.

Key Takeaways

• The City of Saint-Jérôme denies issuing a directive to force homeless individuals to the hospital.
• Police intervention is limited to situations where individuals are in distress or pose a risk to themselves or others.
• The city and police department collaborate with social service organizations to provide support to people experiencing homelessness.
• Efforts are underway to ensure appropriate use of hospital resources.

Looking Ahead

The City of Saint-Jérôme has committed to ongoing dialog with community stakeholders to address concerns about homelessness and ensure that its policies and practices are fair, compassionate, and effective. Further discussions are planned with social service providers and advocacy groups to explore long-term solutions to address the root causes of homelessness in the region.