We’re navigating through another year of unprecedented challenges, but here at Welcome Hall Mission, we see opportunities — and that’s because of you. 

Today, I’m thrilled to share that, thanks to your contributions, we have successfully reopened the Jim Lund Dental Clinic, increasing the number of dental care patients to provide more hope and more dignity to those who step through our doors. 

As you know, our team is continually evolving to meet the needs of our community.

This year, we’re taking bold steps to reimagine our approach to homelessness. We’re transitioning from primarily offering emergency shelter to creating sustainable pathways through transitional housing. Our goal is to support individuals on their journey to permanent independence, focusing on long-term solutions that uphold the dignity and potential of each person.

Your support makes everything you’re about to read in this newsletter, and more, possible. Thank you for being a part of our community and for believing in the power of change.

With appreciation,

Two years ago, Lisa’s family’s world was turned upside down. Her husband, Charles, was a manager at a large tech retailer, working hard to achieve a promotion. But with the economy suffering and companies making cuts, his superiors had other plans in mind. 

They were downsizing and Charles was one of many caught in the unforeseen purge. 

“It was like watching dominos fall. Everything we had built started to fall apart,” Lisa says emotionally. “I really started to wonder how we were going to keep the lights on and put food on the table.”

Despite their struggles, Lisa and Charles worked hard to shield their sons from the worst of their troubles. For as long as they could manage, they kept them in their after-school activities. The boys loved playing sports and attending music lessons, but eventually there simply wasn’t any room in the family’s budget. 

After that, their eldest became withdrawn, his grades slipping without the outlet of soccer practice to relieve stress. And their youngest told them he was dreading school, scared that he’d feel left out of things his peers were getting to do. 

“It was heartbreaking to see them lose access to the activities that brought them joy and helped them excel,” Lisa shared, her voice thick with concern. “I just want my kids to walk into school with their heads held high, feeling confident and a sense of belonging with their peers.”

As you can imagine, Lisa wasn’t looking forward to the school season this September — all the extra expenses like supplies, travel and technology felt insurmountable.

Fortunately, she heard about our back-to-school event for low-income families who need a little extra help equipping their children for the classroom in the fall! A place where every child has the chance to receive a backpack filled to the brim with brand-new, age-appropriate school supplies.

“The change in my boys was immediate. They couldn’t stop smiling and suddenly they were excited about school again,” Lisa shares with gratitude. “That moment gave us not just tools, but hope that this year could really be different. And knowing that we can also visit the Marché for groceries or the Toy Giveaway at Christmas, brings our family so much relief.”

Support from donors like you helps ensure that no child has to go without the essentials needed to nurture growth and success.

Thank you in advance for helping families facing hardship, empowering them to navigate challenging times with dignity and hope.

For many years, Pierre Antoine Brais would walk from his home in Westmount to his office in St. Henri, where he worked as a Corporate Interior Designer. His path would take him right by Welcome Hall Mission’s building on Acorn street. 

Volunteering has been a regular part of his life since he was young.

Over the years, Pierre Antoine noticed the changes in Montreal and the increased need for support for people experiencing homelessness and even for families struggling to make ends meet. So when he finally retired in 2018, his volunteer journey with the Mission began. 

Drawn to the work being done at Marché Bon Accueil, our free food markets, Pierre Antoine particularly enjoyed the opportunity to interact directly with individuals and families who frequented the Marché. 

The positive ambiance of the Marché and the overall nature of the work makes him feel as if he’s contributing to helping change the lives of others in need. 

He also recognizes that he gains as much as he gives from his work at the Mission, forming personal relationships with the clients who have enriched his life in countless ways.

When speaking about encouraging others to volunteer at Welcome Hall Mission, Pierre Antoine is adamant that this is “who we are as Québécois and as Canadians”—giving back to those in need has always been in the fabric of our society. And the organization, efficiency, ambiance, welcoming nature of the volunteers and employees makes Welcome Hall Mission a very attractive place to volunteer.

It’s now been almost seven years since Pierre Antoine has been volunteering at the Marché in St. Henri twice a week and he hopes to continue for many years to come. Aside from volunteering, he also shares his professional expertise as a Corporate Interior Designer, helping our facilities department design renovation projects.  

Without the contribution of volunteers like Pierre Antoine, Welcome Hall Mission would struggle to offer the quality and quantity of services currently being provided to those in need in Montréal. Thank you Pierre Antoine!

Recently, we unveiled a sign proudly displaying ‘Residences Bash Shetty’ on our brand new buildings in Saint Henri. Mr. Bash Shetty is a Montrealer, originally from India, who believes in helping people get off the streets and into permanent housing. 

During the pandemic, he saw things change drastically. The number of people sleeping in tents or seeking food surged. This troubled him deeply.

“I put myself in their shoes and it was heartbreaking,” Mr Shetty said. “Living on the street when it’s minus 20 — it’s a disaster. They’ll never be able to get out of homelessness. So I said to myself: ‘What can I afford to give?’”

Mr. Shetty decided to take action in a big way. He made three very substantial donations to Chez Doris, Old Brewery Mission and Welcome Hall Mission, hoping to inspire concrete changes in our city. He was insistent on purchasing buildings that contribute to transitional housing — an essential bridge for people coming off the street seeking permanent housing.

We are tremendously grateful to Mr. Shetty for his astounding generosity; his actions are truly an inspiration for everyone in our community. Thank you for your incredible help, it will make an enormous difference in the lives of Montrealers today, tomorrow and for years to come.