Doris was a homeless woman who struggled to survive on the streets of Montréal and ultimately fell victim to a brutal murder in 1974. In her memory, Chez Doris was founded in 1977, inspired by a simple statement she gave to a social worker. Shortly before she died, Doris was asked what would benefit women like her living on the streets. Her reply: “A place to go without prying eyes and too many questions.”
In the context of pandemic, more than 1,500 women per year benefit from a 24 hour/7 temporary overnight service provided in an hotel. In 2022, Chez Doris will expand its services by opening an emergency shelter with 24 beds and 2 permanent residences with 46 housing units. Staff and volunteers offer women a safe environment and a broad range of services which respond effectively to basic needs and to mental health and addiction issues. Chez Doris also supports a growing number of Aboriginal women who are in vulnerable situations or are homeless, making up 20% of its clientele.
Power Corporation is pleased to support the invaluable and essential work of the team at Chez Doris which consistently brings creative and compassionate approaches to provide vital services for homeless women in Montréal.
We support Chez Doris precisely because the need to help and protect these vulnerable women is so evident.
women are helped and 35,000 meals are served annually
visits to the clothing room, 3,000 showers, and more than 100 appointments with a health professional are provided every year