Who was Doris?
Chez Doris was born out of a cry from the heart, the cry of a woman in distress. Her words sowed the seeds for a place that has become a refuge for thousands of others. This is the story of Doris, whose tragic fate inspired a mission of compassion and dignity.
A simple request, a vital need
In the 1970s, a community worker set out to interview women living on the streets of Montreal to identify their most pressing needs. Among them was Doris, who was struggling to survive in harsh conditions. When asked what help women in her situation most needed, her answer was clear: “A place to go without prying eyes or too many questions asked.”
This simple but powerful request revealed the deep distress among these marginalized women. Tragically, shortly after this interview took place, on November 3, 1974, Doris was violently murdered.
The creation of Chez Doris
Chez Doris was founded in 1977 to honour her memory and respond to the various challenges of women seeking a safe haven. It has since become a symbol of compassion for all vulnerable women in Montreal. Its mission is to provide a safe, non-discriminatory space where women can receive support, regain their dignity and rebuild their lives.
50 Years Later, the memory of Doris lives on
In 2024, we marked the 50th anniversary of Doris’s death. Her image is now displayed at the entrance of our day shelter, a powerful reminder of the urgency of our mission and the persistent inequalities that women experience. Her memory inspires us each day to strive harder and aim higher, for those who may not always have a voice, yet whose resilience inspires deep respect.
Our story
For almost 50 years, Chez Doris has been evolving to meet the needs of Montreal’s most vulnerable women.
Our mission started with a day centre. Today, we have six (soon to be seven) points of service, open 24/7, offering practical help to support women on their journey to autonomy.
1430 Chomedey Street
- Secure respite place (dormitories)
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Meal and snack distribution, showers and laundry facilities available upon request, and access to our cloakroom
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Access to a medical clinic
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Socio-recreational and cultural activities
1445 Lambert-Closse Street
- Monthly assistance to buy groceries
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Access to a medical clinic
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Access to a tax clinic
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Pre-employment program
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Community collaboration and socio-recreational activities
1437 Chomedey Street
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Open from 7:30 pm to 8:30 am
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Dormitory (24 spaces) and common areas with support services
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Access to showers and nightwear
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Evening meals and snacks
1565, 1567, 1569, 1571, 1573 et 1575, Saint André Street
- 20 individual rooms
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Each resident enjoys a private room with bathroom
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Common facilities
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Promoting autonomy, reconnection, and reintegration over the medium – and long-term
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Permanent on-site professional and security team
2233 Champlain Street
- 26 independent living studios for women
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Common facilities
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Daytime staff and support services
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Individual follow-up program
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Partnership with the « Société d’habitation et de développement de Montréal »
1617, 1619 and 1621, Saint-Hubert Street
- Opening planned for late 2025
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Transitional residence to accommodate vulnerable women
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21 rooms
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Common facilities
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CMHC subsidy, as part of the Rapid Housing Initiative
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Various recovery programs
1221 Guy Street
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Targeted opening in 2028
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New day centre (including all our services)
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Residence open and accessible 24/7
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20+ rooms
Our mission
To support and empower all women in precarious situations to reach their full potential. We do this by offering safe spaces, a broad range of services where they can find non-judgmental help including food, clothing, a day and night shelter, housing solutions, and personal comfort, as well as practical assistance to address their challenges and issues. We respect that success looks different for every woman.
Our Values
Inclusion
We offer a welcoming, safe, inclusive, confidential, respectful, supportive and helpful environment for every woman who walks through our doors.
Equity
We support all women equitably and champion initiatives that reduce discrimination; while recognizing their lived experiences of poverty, violence, and homelessness We actively foster relationships with Indigenous Peoples and diverse cultural communities.
Dignity
All women have the right to be safe, included, respected and accepted for who they are. We offer our services without judgement.
Compassion
Kindness and respect are at the heart of who we are, along with our belief that people grow and thrive when they know themselves, can be their authentic selves, and believe in themselves.
Our vision
That every person who identifies as a woman and who is vulnerable or experiencing homelessness in our city feels safe, is treated with dignity, and can thrive.
