From the very beginning of the ABITA project, we have been driven by one conviction: architecture can — and should — play a meaningful role in addressing social challenges.

Thanks to community support, our crowdfunding campaign through La Ruche, and the work carried out alongside our social, community and manufacturing partners, we have been able to transform an idea into a tangible emergency shelter solution designed around real needs.

With ABITA, our ambition goes far beyond manufacturing mobile units. We want to introduce a different, more human-centred approach, where intelligent architecture, mobility and thoughtful design can help restore a sense of dignity to people who need it most.

Because beyond design and innovation, what truly makes a difference is listening. Listening to community organizations, frontline workers and, above all, the people directly affected by homelessness.

It was in this spirit that Mia Fortin, from the Fondation Santé en Amont, and I had the tremendous privilege of meeting Madame Pauline Marois, former Premier of Quebec and current Chancellor of the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM).

A remarkable woman who has left her mark on Quebec’s political history through her commitment to public service, the many ministerial responsibilities she has held, and her determination to advance major social initiatives.

We had the opportunity to introduce her to our ABITA prototype, our architectural approach and, most importantly, the human vision behind the project.

This meeting was especially meaningful to us. Today, we are proud and deeply grateful to share her official letter of support, dated September 29, 2026.

In the photo, from left to right, Francois Turgeon CEO Constellations, Pauline Marois Chancellor of UQAM, Mia Fortin DG Santé en Amont –

Official Letter of Support from Pauline Marois

Montréal, September 29, 2026

To Whom It May Concern,

Subject: Letter of Support for the ABITA Project

I was pleased to learn about the ABITA project, an initiative led by the Fondation Santé en Amont and Constellations Espaces Innovants, which proposes a mobile, sustainable and human-centred housing solution to address the challenges of homelessness and housing insecurity.

ABITA aims to provide people experiencing homelessness with a dignified, safe and stable temporary space, serving as a transition between living on the streets and accessing permanent housing. Its mobility and modular design also make it possible to deploy units where needs are greatest, complementing existing community resources and services.

The project also offers promising potential for homelessness prevention, particularly for individuals experiencing housing insecurity. By intervening before a complete loss of housing, ABITA could provide a temporary environment that helps stabilize their situation while maintaining connections with support services.

I would also like to acknowledge the partners’ commitment to developing this solution in consultation with the community sector and to evaluating its use through pilot projects. I understand that, in this case, L’Anonyme, Mission Old Brewery and CACTUS Montréal are involved in this initiative. It is in this context that I am pleased to express my support.

With my solidarity and best regards,

Pauline Marois
Chancellor of UQAM
Premier of Quebec (2012–2014)

English translation of the original French letter dated September 29, 2026. The official signed French version is available below.

A Meaningful Recognition That Inspires Us to Keep Moving Forward

For our team, this letter represents much more than a simple endorsement.

It reflects a memorable meeting and a shared belief in the importance of developing new solutions, in collaboration with community organizations, to better address very real human needs.

We recognize that ABITA alone cannot solve the homelessness crisis. But we believe that with the right partners, genuine listening and architecture designed around people’s needs, we can make a meaningful contribution to improving the living conditions of our most vulnerable community members.

We would like to sincerely thank Madame Marois for her time, openness and support, as well as all the partners and community members who continue to help move this initiative forward.

Because at its heart, ABITA is not simply a mobile architecture project. It is, first and foremost, a human project.

François Turgeon
Founder — Constellations Espaces Innovants

*Social Impact Architecture. Innovation in Service of People.