Father Emmett “Pops” Johns, Founder of Dans la rue, Dies at 89

It is with our deepest condolences, that we announce the passing of Father Emmett Johns, otherwise known as “Pops”, the founder of the “Dans la rue” organization, who died at the age of 89, on Saturday, January 13th, 2017.
Father Emmett “Pops” Johns founded the Dans la rue organization in 1988. It serves as a community-based charitable organization that works with at-risk youths and street kids in the Montreal area.

Based on the “help without judgement” philosophy of founder Father Emmett “Pops” Johns, the organization offers food, shelter and friendship to homeless youths, as well as the resources and services required to help them get off the street.

Dans la rue also runs a number of prevention programs designed to educate young people about the risks and consequences associated with living in the streets.

Dans la rue has a team of more than 65 full-time employees and 135 volunteers.

A2R has supported the Dans la rue organization for the last several years, one of many organizations that seeks to combat and end the chronic homelessness that afflicts this, and many cities across North America.

Dans la rue, and Montreal at large have lost a gentle giant this past weekend, and our deepest sympathies go to his family, friends and those who knew him best.

If you would like to make a donation to Dans la rue and support the legacy of Father Emmett “Pops” Johns, please visit the Dans la rue website.

To learn more about the life and mission of Pops, please read this article in the Montreal Gazette.