It has been three years since the board invited me to serve at Welcome Hall Mission. Many important achievements have happened in that time, and it’s all thanks to generous supporters like you.  With your support, we:
  • Helped over 200 women and men find and remain in permanent housing 
  • Launched two Marché Bon Accueil locations in St. Henri and Montreal North, addressing food insecurity while preserving dignity and choice
  • Led a successful initiative to open a 180-bed overflow emergency shelter at the Old Royal Victoria Hospital 
When looking back on our past year of success in this Annual Report, it is so clear – it takes an entire team to bring transformation to a city – all of our volunteers, staff, and donors are part of that team!  In a metropolitan city like Montreal, everyone should have access to affordable housing, healthy food and the love of a genuine community. I invite you to join us in making this vision a reality.  With appreciation,

Samuel Watts

CEO/Executive Director

Looking Back at 2019

Because of your generosity, thousands of Montrealers experiencing poverty and homelessness received help to rebuild their lives. Thank you for making a difference!

Mathieu’s Story of Hope

For more than half my life, I’ve struggled with severe depression. When I ran out of work last fall, things got heavy really fast. I’m grateful Welcome Hall Mission was there for me; that’s why I want to share my story with you today.  My name is Mathieu and I’ve had to work really hard to build a productive life despite my illness. For the last 11 years, I’ve successfully run my own exterior painting company. Despite good and bad days, I’ve been able to keep myself afloat.  Last summer, I was pulling 15-16 hour work days and wasn’t sleeping well. By the end of summer, I was starting to miss deadlines. Everything was feeling out of control. Then, suddenly, in October, all of my work dried up.   Normally, I take odd jobs in the off-season to supplement my income, but this time I could barely get out of bed. I slept all the time, and stopped answering texts and phone calls. In my worst moments, I thought about ending my life.  Before long, I’d run out of money. When the eviction notice arrived, I felt like a complete failure. I couchsurfed for a while, but when the pandemic hit, I ran out of options.   A friend told me about Welcome Hall Mission. With nowhere else to go, I decided to give it a try.  I got into the shelter right away and an intervention worker connected me to the housing team. Within a week, I was set up with a short-term apartment. I also got connected with resources for support with my depression. 
"For years, I hid my illness. Now, I feel like I’ve got a team behind me. I don’t have to go through it alone." ‑ Mathieu
At the beginning of September, I’ll be moving into an apartment of my own. It’s been hard to find an apartment with the way things are—I won’t get to see it before I move in, but that’s okay! I’m just grateful for this second chance.  I want to say thank you to everyone who supports the Mission. You’re helping people like me in our lowest moments. Thank you for doing something to help.

Thank You for Sending Socks and Undies!

Operation Socks and Undies was a huge success again this year. Students, volunteers and supporters of the Mission, online donors, and our Facebook community came together to donate an astonishing amount of new socks and underwear for men and women who are living on Montreal’s streets. We’re so thankful to each and every one of you who gave to make this possible!  Thank You for Sending Emergency Support The last few months have been filled with unprecedented hardship due to the health crisis. Support from the community has helped Welcome Hall Mission continue to meet the evolving needs of our city’s most vulnerable people. Thank you.