1892
1907
1914-18
1950
1958
1963
1965
1999
2000’s
2005
2011
2015
2017
Present
1892
The Doors Are Open
Founded by Thomas Bassett Macaulay, a Scottish-born businessman, Welcome Hall Mission first opens as a small Christian day centre where men and women can take part in activities, and receive care and guidance from spiritual advisors.
1907
A New Home
A new property is purchased on St. Antoine West, just steps away from rooming houses and pubs frequented by workers living in poverty. Welcome Hall Mission expands its services to offer support for men struggling with alcohol addiction.
1914-18
Wartime Support
Throughout the First World War, Welcome Hall Mission provides care, support, and compassion to widows, single mothers and seniors.
1950
Feeding The Struggling
In an effort to help struggling families meet the needs of everyday life, Welcome Hall Mission opens its first food bank.
1958
A Place to Rest
Welcome Hall Mission opens its first shelter, with 17 beds for men, 10 for women. As word spreads and attendance rises, Welcome Hall Mission continues to adapt and expand to meet the growing demand.
1963
Time to Move
Welcome Hall Mission is forced to vacate its newly renovated building to make way for a new Place du Canada as part of Expo 67.
1965
Growing Service
The Macaulay Pavilion officially opens, serving more than 55,000 meals per year, providing safe shelter for men at night, food baskets to families in need, and clothing.
1999
New Youth Services
Welcome Hall Mission takes over for a local organization serving homeless youth. Its new Youth Services centre opens on Beaudry Street in Montreal’s Centre-Sud neighbourhood.
2000’s
A Growing Need
Amidst a surge in clients seeking support, Welcome Hall Mission starts to outgrow its property. An old factory in the southwest of Montreal is purchased, with the hopes of setting up new housing facilities.
2005
A Growing Need
Welcome Hall Mission outfits its new property with 50 studio apartments for men in reinsertion programs. The building becomes a multi-service centre, housing administrative offices, a thrift store, a food bank, a skills acquisition program, and warehouse.
2011
A Partnership to Smile About
In partnership with McGill University, Welcome Hall Mission creates the Jim Lund Dental Clinic, which provides free dental services to low-income clients.
2015
A Place to Rest
Welcome Hall Mission builds two apartment buildings to provide 26 new units for housing.
2017
A Fresh Approach
Marché Bon Accueil replaces Welcome Hall Mission’s food bank. This new free grocery store provides clients with a dignified shopping experience, where they can choose from a bounty of fresh, healthy food choices.
Present
Partners in Change
Welcome Hall Mission has become a recognized leader in housing, food security and accompaniment thanks to the support of thousands of Montrealers, donors and volunteers.
We want to thank every one of our partners for making a huge difference over the years!
