CasaMaris
The House of the Sea
CasaMaris offers temporary transitional housing to young adults seeking respite and guidance as they work to rebuild their lives. Drawing on 20 years of experience working with young people, ÉcoMaris puts its greatest strength to work here: transforming lives through the sea.
It’s not just a roof over their heads. It’s a comprehensive solution, a human journey that addresses mental health, addiction, and social support, all within the unique setting of life aboard a ship moored in the heart of Quebec City.
The ship
From October to April, the EcoMaris 2 transforms into a temporary shelter, moored at the Port of Québec. A safe, peaceful space conducive to personal recovery, right in the heart of the city.
👤10 private cabins
Up to 3 people per cabin, for a total of 30 residents. Each cabin has its own full bathroom.
🍳 Shared kitchen
A large professional kitchen to develop culinary skills, teamwork, and healthy eating habits.
📍 Port of Québec
Located in the heart of Québec City, close to the city’s additional resources.
📅 October to April
4 groups of 24 young people per winter. 96 people supported each year.
The participants
Priority is given to young people referred by the DPJ, but CasaMaris welcomes all young adults aged 18 to 30 who are in precarious situations or experiencing social isolation and need a supportive, structured environment to rebuild their lives.
- Be between 18 and 30 years old
- Be in a precarious situation or experiencing social disconnection
- Be seeking a supportive environment to rebuild your life
- Want to prevent or reverse a situation of homelessness
Our Goals
Our approach is holistic. We don’t just provide a roof over your head—we offer an integrated solution that addresses mental health, substance use, and social support.
- Prevent and reverse homelessness
- Provide temporary housing and a respite space
- Promote reintegration and personal development
- Encourage community life and mutual support
- Support each young person in their life plan
- Encourage exploration of the maritime field
- Learning Opportunities
The ship at dock serves as a socialization laboratory. It fosters a collective and participatory learning environment that helps break isolation and break out of routines while remaining close to the city’s resources.
- Awareness of one’s personal strengths
- Development of social skills
- Interpersonal communication
- Initiative and leadership
- Taking responsibility for one’s health
- Exploring maritime careers
- Finding meaning in life, developing independence
- Restoring mental and physical health
How It Works
A 6-week program designed to give each young person a chance to relax, step back, and rebuild a positive outlook for their future.
🌅 Morning
Participatory group workshops: navigation, cooking, personal development, creative expression.
☀️ Afternoon
Personal time for one-on-one support or personal projects. Supervised by staff.
🌙 Evening
Meals prepared and shared as a team. Group activities and free time for conversation.
📋 Active Citizen Package
Assistance with taxes, bank accounts, RAMQ, social assistance, and affordable housing placement.
Post-placement follow-up
Post-placement follow-up is provided for all participants. CasaMaris is the anchor, the starting point for a new beginning. ÉcoMaris is the host family, and CasaMaris is their home. This way, the young people can return to their home at any time, for as long as they wish—whether to check in, to refocus, to seek advice on navigating a new challenge, or to pursue their maritime careers. ÉcoMaris will be there. It’s family!
Our Team
Fantastic people with a wide range of skills, driven by exceptional interpersonal skills and boundless passion. They open the door to the maritime world and to the inner world of the participants.
2 urban doctors - 1 psychologist - 1 social worker - 12 seafarer-facilitators - Specialized educators
Testimony
As a participant in the Capstan program, Gabriel tells us how our support changed the course of his life.
