SERVICES & PROGRAMS

Open 7 days a week since 19 September 2022, our emergency overnight shelter, named after Elspeth McConnell, offers a secure environment with comfortable beds for women experiencing homelessness to ensure they have a safe place to sleep at night. Located right in front of our night shelter, it features 24 beds, showers and laundry facilities, a counselling room as well as a dining room, kitchenette, and common room.

• Open from 8:30 p.m to 8:15 a.m by appointment by calling 514-937-2341 – extension “0” or “301”.
• 24 beds : including 22 sleeping pods offering greater privacy, each with its own ventilation system, electical outlet, night light and access to wifi, , and 2 regular beds in a separate room
• Women can sleep at the shelter for up to 15 consecutive nights
• Safe, welcoming and non-judgemental environment
• Located across the street from the day shelter, making it easier for clients to access the various services offered by Chez Doris
• Features lockers, bathrooms, laundry room, dining room, kitchenette and multipurpose room
• Pets are allowed in the shelter (under certain conditions)
• Elevators available on-site to ensure accessibility

The major financial commitments made by federal and provincial governments are beginning to make visible differences in the lives of individuals facing significant housing challenges such as mental health issues, substance abuse, trauma, homelessness and other hardships. Our housing program operates under the following three categories:

Vers Chez Soi Indigenous Housing Program: This program supports chronically and episodically homeless Indigenous women and their children. A one-time budget to help set up the client by providing a budget for moving, furniture, house appliances and cleaning supplies. Additionally, a monthly budget for groceries thanks to the Trottier Foundation.

Programme de logements subventionnes (PSL): In collaboration with the OMHM, PSL helps women in difficulty access affordable long-term housing. Eligible applicants will be housed in a private market for up to 5 years before receiving a permanent HLM in the neighbourhood of their choice. These women live in poverty, and due to the national housing crisis, their budget typically only allows them access to unsanitary and unsafe housing options. Clients are provided with a one-time budget to help with moving, furniture, house supplies, grocery and cleaning supplies.

Private Housing Program: This program assists a diverse range of women, from newcomers to chronically homeless individuals. It is designed for women and their families with an annual income of less than $38,000, as well as those at risk of losing their housing. The program helps secure an apartment in the private market, without rent subsidies, leaving participants responsible for paying the full rent. Once housed, they receive assistance with moving expenses, furniture, appliances, household supplies, and initial groceries. Psychological follow-up, including home visits, to ensure housing stability. For any questions about the program or the application process, please contact logement@chezdoris.org.

Clothing

Thanks to donations from our generous community of donors, our clothing room provides clients access to appropriate seasonal clothing by appointment. Clothing provided includes outerwear, pyjamas, and undergarments as well as other essential pieces of clothing.

Hygiene

Although good personal hygiene is essential, many homeless or vulnerable women lack access to facilities and basic necessities. We offer access to clean washrooms as well as a safe place for them to take a warm shower. Thanks to many donations, we are able to provide our clients with soap, towels, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothbrushes and toothpaste, as well as women’s personal hygiene products. Moreover, with the assistance of volunteers, Chez Doris is able to offer our clientele, by appointment, haircuts and manicures.

Every day, we provide a nourishing breakfast served from 8:00 am to 10:00 am and a lunch that is served from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. As well, in partnership with the Department of Dietetics at McGill University, we offer educational workshops on nutrition.

Our objectives are

• To provide three nutritious meals each day (breakfast, lunch, supper and snacks);
• To help women maximize their limited income; and
• To foster healthy food choices and habits.

We also offer vulnerable women a grocery gift card programme that allows them to shop themselves with dignity according to their preferences.

Our Financial Administration Program offers financial services and psychosocial support to women on a monthly basis. Chez Doris receives the financial assistance cheques (e.g. disability, welfare, old age pension, etc.) of each woman registered in this voluntary program designed to assist participants to better manage their money. An assigned caseworker works with each woman to create a monthly budget, pay bills and manage extra money left over.

In addition, the Financial Administration Program also offers psychosocial aid. Each caseworker is available to help clients book appointments, fill out various forms, assist with phone calls, help with apartment searches as well as taxes and many other such needs.

Our objectives are

• To instill a sense of financial security & self-sufficiency;
• To improve the economic situation of participants;
• To provide housing stability and prevent homelessness; and
• To be of service to women from all over Montreal who are referred from CLSC’s, social workers and other organizations.

The purpose of this program is to provide services and activities for urban Indigenous peoples, and to recognize and celebrate their heritage and cultural identity. Funded by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, as of April 1, 2018, the program provides Indigenous women with the opportunity to experience culturally specific outings and activities. Thanks to this program, we aim to provide a positive, supportive, and healthy environment to help develop self-esteem, self-awareness, creativity and encourage meaningful cultural connections.

Physical Health Program

We offer a wide range of programs that promote both the physical and mental health of our clientele. Our clinic is certified by the Collège des médecins du Québec and affiliated with the Herzl Clinic of the Jewish General Hospital.  Appointments can be made with a medical doctor, available one day a week, as well as a podiatric nurse.  We also offer weekly massage treatments, physiotherapy, and yoga classes.

Mental Health Program

We offer psychiatric support to our clients once every two weeks, thanks to Dr. Pascale Desrosiers and a psychiatric resident from McGill University.  In addition, we work in collaboration with the CLSC’s Projet Connexion as well as with student nurses from the Université du Québec en Outaouais to provide information and regular follow-ups.

We also offer weekly art therapy sessions that can relieve anxiety and depression, and strengthen mental well-being and where no art skills are necessary.

Our objectives are

• To facilitate access to medical services;
• To maintain and monitor prescriptions;
• To promote physical and mental wellbeing; and
• To improve personal care.

We provide a monthly calendar of daily educational and socio-recreational activities to foster a sense of belonging and community for our clients as well as help improve their sense of well-being, self-worth, and pride.

Activities may include:

• Workshops dealing with nutrition, psychology, low-cost housing, creative writing, etc.;
• Weekly bingo games;
• Arts & crafts;
• Access to computers;
• Special meals and activities for holidays, including Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, International Women’s Day;
• Celebration of cultural diversity with special meals and activities throughout the year, such as National Indigenous Peoples Day and Black History Month.
• Collective kitchen

Legal Clinic

In partnership with McGill’s Faculty of Law, students offer legal information and assistance to our clients during the fall, winter, and spring. The interns are supervised by a law professor, and help with legal matters which may pertain to tenant rights, family law, criminal law and assist with drafting letters to landlords, accompanying our clients to legal appointments as well as outlining their rights.

Our objectives are

• To make legal advice accessible to low-income and vulnerable individuals; and
• To help prevent legal problems or minimize their impact.

Income Tax Services

A Chez Doris volunteer offers twice a week help filling out tax forms.  This service ensures that women are up to date in their yearly filings and receive reimbursements and benefits they are entitled to.

Our objectives are

• To help women be in compliance with yearly tax returns; and
• To ensure that women benefit from different tax credits and refunds that will help them with their living costs.

Bash Shetty Residence:

Situated in the Village, near Berri Metro, on a tranquil residential street, Chez Doris has transformed a former inn into a permanent residence offering 24/7 support and supervision. The residence features 20 private, furnished rooms, each with its own bathroom, communal kitchens, living areas, and outdoor terraces, catering specifically to vulnerable and homeless women. Residents contribute 25% of their income towards their rent, which is fixed at $858, with the remaining balance covered by the Office municipal de l’habitation de Montréal (OMHM).

Marcelle et Jean Coutu Residence:

Located near Hôpital Notre-Dame, close to Lafontaine Park, Chez Doris and the Société d’habitation et de développement de Montréal (SHDM) have collaborated to provide 26 furnished studio apartments. Each apartment is equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and living space, designed for autonomous women who are at risk of homelessness or are currently homeless. The building offers shared facilities, including a community room, computer room, laundry room, bike and storage area, and a backyard terrace. Similar to the Bash Shetty Residence, residents contribute 25% of their income towards their fixed rent of $858, with the remaining balance subsidized by the Office municipal de l’habitation de Montréal (OMHM).

For inquiries or applications for either residence, please contact residences@chezdoris.org and send this reference application form.

Before filling out the form, please ensure that the eligibility criteria established by OMHM, listed at this address, are met: Eligibility criteria | Office municipal d’habitation de Montréal (omhm.qc.ca)