*Update*

We have just $2,500 left to raise by the beginning of December! This final cost covers durable sleeping mats for clients; providing a safe and comfortable resting area for the vulnerable persons who use the services of the centre. 

Who is The Open Door?

The Open Door was started in 1988 by a member of St. Stephen's Anglican Church in response to the increasing numbers of people, both homeless and "working poor", who came to the church in search of help. Many of them came looking for food, a listening ear, or warm clothing in winter. Today The Open Door serves approximatley 2,000 people each month providing: shelter, food, clothing, laundry, counselling, addiction and recovery services, low income housing, soapstone carving program, community, and support. The centre is currently the only "wet" shelter in Montreal; welcoming intoxicated people in.

A New Building. A New Opportunity...

In December of 2016, St. Stephen's Church ceased operation. Several months later, the building was sold to a developer. Finding a new home for the centre has been very difficult. But, after a year of searching, The Open Door has found a new home. This winter, they signed a lease on a new building, but the cost of retrofitting the space to serve the homeless is prohibitive.

Essential renovations include:

• Fully equipped public washrooms and showers
• Commercial kitchen with walk-in fridge
• Durable sleeping mats for clients
• Tables and chairs
• Laundry facilities 
• Private offices for counselling
• Dedicated shop for Soapstone Carving Program
• Hiring an additional intervention worker (full-time)
• Extending the operating hours of the centre

More than half of the amount needed has been raised through government grants and private donations. But, there is an additional $200,000 that is needed to fully equip the new centre with everything that is needed. We hope to raise $38,000 of that through this fundraiser.

A Tremendous Impact.

In 2018, The Open Door has:

• Served approximately 20,000 meals
• Given away approximately 350 food hampers
• Washed 300 loads of laundry
• Aided 40 people in entering detox/rehab programs
• Housed 15 Inuit through The Open Door Housing Program (Housing First)
• Housed 25 persons through reinsertion programs and/or low income housing programs
• Organized 14 plane tickets to send vulnerable Inuit stranded in Montreal back to their home communities
• Had 3 graduates from their Work Experience Program (PAAS Action - Emploi Quebec), who now have full time paying jobs.

We need your help to reach help to expand the impact at their new location. Please consider donating to support Montreal's most vulnerable persons through the work of The Open Door / La Porte Ouverte!