After two years of commitment at Chez Doris: The urgency remains as strong as ever, and so does my determination
Photo : Diane Pilote, Executive Director of Chez Doris
This March, I will celebrate a very special anniversary: two years as Executive Director of Chez Doris. Two years that have connected me profoundly to the women we welcome — to their stories, often heartbreaking
For many of these women, just acknowledging that they need help is a major step. This is why, more than ever, I hope we can all encourage women around us who are in precarious situations to reach out, and break the isolation of their distress.
Photo: Diane and Brigitte, a woman who found a place to live thanks to the support of Chez Doris.
We are now supporting more women than ever during my time at Chez Doris. This surge in our numbers reflects an urgent need, but also a concrete opportunity: adapting access to housing to the realities and needs of women experiencing vulnerability. With the rising cost of living and groceries, it is more essential than ever to strengthen pathways to stability and rebuilding.
These societal pressures heighten precarity and diminish a woman’s chances of regaining stability. They also create very real additional dangers: increased aggression, amplified by winter and survival instincts, as well as the arrival of new drugs. These realities remind us just how necessary our mission is.
“At Chez Doris, we offer far more than a refuge. We provide a roof, warmth, and meals — but above all, we offer a full range of resources and support to help women regain control over their lives.”
Projects that give hope
To meet the ever-growing needs, we are moving forward with determination. Our next step is the imminent opening of the Saint Hubert Residence, which will soon offer safe temporary housing for women. And in 2028, the Fulford Project will extend this continuum by bringing housing spaces and our frontline services together under one roof. Together, these projects reflect our clear intention to expand our capacity so that every woman can find a place to stabilize, rebuild, and regain control over her own life. But let’s be clear: this is only the beginning. We will need much more to meet needs of this magnitude.
Photo: The Fulford residence, set to open its doors in 2028.
In two years at the helm of Chez Doris, I’ve had the privilege of meeting extraordinary women, each remarkably resilient. They have taught me that even when challenges seem insurmountable, every gesture has the potential to transform a life.
I invite you to discover Lorraine’s story. She is a woman of exceptional courage. With the right support, when she was ready, she began a decisive recovery. Her journey shows just how transformative compassionate support can be. Help us support more women like her. Her journey is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of compassion and support.
“We must act together — for their dignity, their safety, and their future. Your support, in all its forms, remains our greatest strength.”
Diane Pilote, General Director