You give so much more than you know!

We have so much exciting news to share with you in this edition of Info Mission! From new building projects to women’s health seminars, Welcome Hall Mission is always buzzing with activity because people like you choose to care for your fellow Montrealers in need. As I prepared these stories for you, I was reminded of what we’re really offering the men, women, and children who walk through our doors… a chance to catch their breath, a reminder that they matter, and an opportunity to start anew. The people turning to us for help are carrying heavy loads as they walk through life. Each day, they carry with them the weight of homelessness, hunger, uncertainty, and hopelessness. Your choice to support Welcome Hall Mission helps relieve that burden bit-by-bit so they can begin to look again to the future with hope. Imagine… You didn’t know where you were going to sleep, and then someone offered you a warm bed. Your baby desperately needed diapers and formula, and then someone packed them with love, along with your free groceries. Or you found a strange lump but had no doctor to call. Then, someone invited you to a cancer info session that gave you access to a (free!) specialist. Those are the kinds of things that create breathing room. That renews hope. That helps someone take the next step into a brighter tomorrow. The kind of things you make possible through your generosity. But don’t just take my word for it — read on and see for yourself! With my deepest gratitude for how you show up for Montrealers in need,

Sam Watts

CEO

Paying it forward

Johanne Reaper is a long-time supporter of Welcome Hall Mission. She’s also a breast cancer survivor. Grateful for the incredible care she received during her own health journey, she’s now making sure women at Welcome Hall Mission have it too: “To mark 30 years since my breast cancer journey, I wanted to do something for women who may not have the same access to education and care as I did.” So, she picked up the phone and called us. At the time, we didn’t have any breast cancer programs, but we loved her idea. She threw her heart and soul into the project, even contacting the doctors who helped her all those years ago to see if they’d be interested in donating their time. They happily agreed. And with that, our Pink Power Information Sessions were born! “So far, we’ve held six information sessions to discuss breast health and answer questions,” says Johanne. But that’s not even the best part — through these sessions, women can schedule mammograms and follow-up appointments with breast cancer specialists, free of charge! “While any new project has its challenges, we’re learning and improving with every session,” Johanne tells us proudly. “I’m so grateful for the exceptional participation and support of everyone at Welcome Hall Mission and Dr. Fleiszer and Dr. Hings for their time and care. It really does take a village!” And we are grateful for Johanne — for her passion, dedication, and belief that all Montrealers are worthy of dignified health care.

“Through this, I can truly see the difference Welcome Hall Mission is making for those who call Montreal home. They are worthy of our support as they continue to serve our city.”

Do you have an idea for a new initiative?

Our team is always open to new ways we can make life a bit easier and a bit better for those who turn to us for help. If you have an idea for a new initiative, please email us at info@missionba.com.

Or consider volunteering with us! Even just a few hours a month can make a meaningful difference. Visit welcomehallmission.com/volunteering to learn more.

From Reno to Refuge

Real estate partners Amma and Gerry love a good renovation project: the perfect paint colour. The warmth of the right light fixture. The kitchen layout that actually works for the way people live. But more than that, they love to think about who will get to live there once the renovation is complete: how the property they’ve so lovingly worked on will fit into someone’s life story. It led them to wonder, what if the homes they buy, renovate, and sell could change someone’s life entirely? Early on in their partnership, Amma and Gerry realized they shared a common passion: helping get Montrealers off the streets and into safe, stable living situations. In early 2026, they got in touch with our housing team, and just a few months later, we secured our first tenant placement together!

“Working with Welcome Hall feels aligned because we share the belief that a home can restore dignity, create stability, and positively shape someone’s future,” says Gerry.

together! A wonderful first step in what we hope will be a long partnership. “Our experience with Welcome Hall has been smooth, reassuring, and professional,” Amma adds. What’s moved them most? Working with a team that shares their desire to see everyone safely housed in a calm and dignified space. Amma and Gerry are proof that we don’t have to wait for big policy changes to make an impact for vulnerable Montrealers. We can take action now — one renovated unit, one person, one brighter future at a time.

Do you own property that could open a door for someone?

We’re always looking for people who share our belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home. If you’re a landlord or property owner and want to be part of the solution to Montreal's housing crisis, we’d love to hear from you.

Call Fequière Désir, 514-657-2037, ext. 602 today.

Breaking new ground

Brick-by-brick, your generosity is building new transitional homes for men and women in urgent need

Together, we’re working towards a Montreal where everyone has a stable place to call home. But that takes time — time many Montrealers don’t have. Right now, they’re just looking for a safe place to sleep tonight. It is for them that we’ve broken ground on a brand-new 42-unit transitional housing building, in partnership with our friends at Domicile Fixe. Unlike an emergency shelter, residents at the new La Maison du Coin complex on Crémazie, in Ahuntsic/Cartierville, can stay for up to three years. With that peace of mind, they can focus on building new skills that open doors to stable employment — with the guidance and support of our team. But there’s something else we love about this project: It's been designed with dignity. Aside from their personal unit, residents will enjoy a lush inner courtyard, rooftop gardens, and common spaces. The building is fully accessible for those with mobility issues and it’s sustainable, too. This building shows that it’s possible to create living spaces that are beautiful, inclusive and offer real solutions to our housing crisis. And we can’t wait for vulnerable Montrealers to experience it! We look forward to welcoming new residents next Spring, thanks to people like you who believe every person deserves safe shelter and a second chance.

Program Bienvenue welcomes its 600th tenant!

600
If there’s one thing we all have in common, it’s the need for a safe place to call home. But for people like Igor, facing homelessness, stability is a luxury. Igor hadn’t slept in the same bed for almost a year. The streets were too cold and dangerous, so he sought refuge at our emergency shelter. It was better than shivering on cold winter nights and worrying about his safety while he slept. Here, in our care, he could be safe and warm, but he longed for a place he could call his own. Igor moved into our Ontario Street transitional housing in December 2025 and just three months later, he received the keys to his very own place through Program Bienvenue! When he opened the door — his door — and walked inside his very own apartment in Nun’s Island, relief washed over him. Now, he could focus on rebuilding his life, finding a stable job, and taking care of his mental health — thanks to your support!

“I love having my own space! I’m ready to take care of my responsibilities, and start living life independently.”

That’s the power of Program Bienvenue: it provides a pathway to independence for people facing homelessness and mental health challenges. But they don’t have to walk that path alone. Our team and your kindness guide them! Program Bienvenue started back in 2021 with a modest goal: help 75 people find long-term housing so they can finally feel at home. The program quickly proved to be a success! Seventy-five people quickly grew to 250, then 500…
Today, Igor is our 600th tenant, and we couldn’t be happier for him! But this program is so much more than numbers. It’s about real people, often struggling with significant physical and mental health challenges, finally feeling at home — safe, secure, and cared for. And you’re what makes it all possible! Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. Thank you for generously caring for your fellow Montrealers and for giving them the safety and dignity they deserve.
Housing: A pathway to hope Program Bienvenue’s success is rooted in its holistic approach. We connect people facing homelessness with available properties, act as their guarantor to secure a lease, help them find employment, and provide food assistance while they get back on their feet. Of the 600 men and women your support has helped since 2021, 544 are still enjoying the freedom and stability that comes with a permanent place to call home. That’s a 90% success rate! We couldn’t have gotten there without your generous support. Thank you!

How you showed up for Montreal moms this Mother's Day

Guerline moved from Haiti to Montreal in search of a better life for her daughter. It was a big sacrifice — she left everyone she knew and loved behind. But when she looked at her baby’s sweet, pudgy face, she knew it was worth it. The transition was difficult. It still is. She dreads the days that she needs to buy groceries for herself and diapers, wipes, and formula for her daughter. But that’s changing now, thanks to your generosity this past Mother’s Day. With your kindness and compassion in hand, we were able to purchase diapers, wipes, formula, and groceries for hundreds of Montreal moms in need — including Guerline! Through our Coeur à Soeur program, they're also connected to a supportive community — one that provides workshops about child nutrition, car seats to ensure child safety, one-on-one time with a career counsellor, an interim apartment, and more! Assia, a 37-year-old mother to three children, is so grateful for this program. On top of receiving diapers and baby wipes, the Coeur à Soeur team is trying to source a larger crib for her 14-month-old. “It helps so much,” she says. “It is great! It is perfect! Thank you to CAS!” Thank you for helping moms do more than just ‘get by’ this Mother’s Day — and all year round! Your generosity is brightening their future and the future of their children.