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.
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.
Throughout the First World War, Welcome Hall Mission provides care, support, and compassion to widows, single mothers and seniors.
In an effort to help struggling families meet the needs of everyday life, Welcome Hall Mission opens its first food bank.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In partnership with McGill University, Welcome Hall Mission creates the Jim Lund Dental Clinic, which provides free dental services to low-income clients.
Welcome Hall Mission builds two apartment buildings to provide 26 new units for housing.
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.
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!
Welcome Hall Mission gratefully acknowledges that every dollar we receive from our generous donors is a dollar hard-earned. We believe it is important to uphold full transparency and accountability with our supporters so that you can see how your gifts are being put to good use.
Read Welcome Hall Mission’s Annual Report, and see the impact you’ve made!
Sam joined Welcome Hall Mission as CEO in 2016. He brings with him a wealth of experience in leading teams and coaching leaders in a variety of contexts. He is described by colleagues as a visionary leader who focuses on creating an environment that promotes innovation and implementation.
With over 25 years of finance and accounting experience in the private sector, Marcello is enthusiastic about combining his financial acumen with his passion for helping others. His main objectives are to create value and maximize the impact of every dollar received for the benefit of our clients.
Since 2012, Joan has leveraged 26 years of operational experience to improve the efficiency of Welcome Hall Mission’s operations and the level of service offered to each client. Her vision for her team and our volunteers is that they work together to encourage and uplift each and every client that courageously walks through our doors.
Emmanuel joined the Welcome Hall Mission team in 2009. As Vice-President, responsible for Intervention and Accompaniment, he oversees a team of over 60 people responsible for preventing and responding to issues related to homelessness and poverty. Emmanuel’s objective is to foster positive transformation by cultivating an environment at Welcome Hall Mission that builds on its clients’ strengths.
Marika has held the position of Legal Counsel at Welcome Hall Mission since 2011. Being goal-driven and solution-oriented makes her the right person for the job! In 2016, Marika adopted the additional role of Director of Human Resources. Marika enthusiastically promotes purposeful collaboration and teamwork amongst all employees at the Mission.
Katie brings over 20 years of experience in philanthropy and fundraising to Welcome Hall Mission. With a passion for helping those less fortunate she has seized the opportunity to put her knowledge and experience to practice while leading the Development and Communication team towards new levels of success.
Hans holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Management of Health and Social Services from the National School of Public Administration (ENAP). Hans is a recognized leader who has been with the Mission since 2010 and who has demonstrated excellence and dedication in his role as a manager within the family services department.