26 new studios for Montreal women at risk of homelessness

The Canadian government, the CAQ government, the City of Montreal, the Société d’habitation et de développement de Montréal (SHDM) and non-profit Chez Doris officially inaugurated the Résidence Marcelle et Jean Coutu on Friday.

The building is equipped with 26 studios for vulnerable women in various situations or at risk of homelessness.

Located on De Champlain Street in the borough of Ville-Marie, the studios welcome vulnerable women who need supervision, but have lived independently for the past year.

“Women experiencing homelessness experience particularly difficult realities and need resources adapted to their needs,” said Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant. “The Résidence Marcelle et Jean Coutu is more than a roof; it is a safe space where they can rebuild their lives, feel supported, and regain their independence. I thank the organization Chez Doris for raising its hand once again to help them.”

The modern living environment is adapted to the tenants needs. It offers a courtyard, with a separate entrance for each studio.

The project was completed on a budget of $7.2 million, with $5.1 million coming from the SHDM and $800,000 from the Canadian government’s Affordable Housing Fund.

The City of Montreal contributed $1.17 million, including $585,000 from the Quebec government’s financial municipal housing program.

“In addition to living in new and safe housing, the 26 women residents benefit from support that allows them to improve their lifestyle, their autonomy and especially their self-esteem,” said Chez Doris Board President Carole Croteau. “For them, the housing becomes both a real lever and a caring and reassuring community, helping them avoid or get off the street. We need different kinds of housing because we don’t park people in a place. We are there to support them. If they’re ready to find a job, we have a job program where we can educate them.”

Additionally, the CAQ will provide funding so that residents can receive rent supplements to limit their payments to match 25 per cent of their income. They will also contribute $52,938 per year to fund psychosocial services for women.

“For our administration, housing is an essential key to sustainably responding to the housing crisis and supporting vulnerable people,” said Sud-Ouest Mayor Benoit Dorais. “The Résidence Marcelle et Jean Coutu will provide a roof over 26 women at risk of homelessness. Thanks to the work of our partner, Chez Doris, and the expertise and significant investments of the SHDM, 26 people have a roof over their heads in addition to obtaining the services they need. These complex issues require tailored support, and we applaud the participation of all government and community partners, who made this project possible.”

The SHDM will be the official owner of the building and Chez Doris will manage and provide supervision and psychosocial support to the women who live there.

“This residence is a great example of a real estate project, developed by the SHDM teams, making a real difference for vulnerable populations in the Montreal area. This 26-unit building, financed at over $5 million from our organization’s own funds, is in addition to the 168 housing units for vulnerable people that we have built in recent months in the Ville-Marie borough,” said SHDM General Director Sophie Rousseau-Loiselle. “I would like to thank all the partners involved, public and private, as well as Chez Doris, who made this project possible.”