One in Five Homeless People is a Woman

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - May 10, 2017) - As Mother's Day approaches and many are wondering again this year how to thank the wonderful mothers who are part of their lives, Welcome Hall Mission is offering a gift idea that will surely put a big smile in the heart of many. A bouquet of flowers is always a nice gesture, but this year, why not offer a gift that will bloom for a long time by helping the mothers of the Coeur à soeur program get off to a good start with their new babies? Making a donation to Welcome Hall Mission, on behalf of a mother who is close to you, allows the organization to offer start-up kits to mothers and children in need. These kits include essential items such as diapers, milk and baby clothes that these women often do not have the means to afford.

Cœur à sœur: From Street Life to Employability

Although they are almost invisible, women count for about 20%¹ of the homeless population in Montreal. These women face various difficulties. Some of them have children or are pregnant. To meet some of their special needs, Welcome Hall Mission has created the Coeur à soeur program to help young mothers and homeless or at risk of becoming homeless women.

Since 2010, close to 600 young mothers have participated in the Coeur à soeur program (more than 100 new women in 2016).

Coeur à soeur helps expectant women and young mothers in precarious situations meet their basic needs in a judgment-free environment. The program offers support on a material, emotional and psychological level. Women receive advice and basic supplies for their new babies. They are then supported in their personal development through individual and group meetings allowing them to emerge from their isolation to create positive and meaningful connections between them. This approach empowers young mothers to develop parenting skills that can also help them retain or regain custody of their children.

"We favour an approach that seeks to achieve autonomy for these women, explains Sam Watts, CEO of Welcome Hall Mission. This is why several initiatives have been put in place to provide practical work experiences for women. Thus, they can volunteer in the preparation of meals or do administrative work related to the management of inventory, storage and distribution of baby gear. This participation in the life of the group allows them to get out of their routine, be part of a different environment and feel useful. Following this support, and in co-operation with Welcome Hall Mission's partners, many women have gained back their self-esteem, got a new job or gone back to school."

"The Coeur à soeur program has helped my family and me, both in times of happiness and in difficulties, explains Sophie, 25 years old. The workers at Welcome Hall Mission assisted me during the birth of my children and they were even there when I lost someone and went through mourning. Their presence and availability enabled me to regain the upper hand on my life and I will never be able to thank them enough for this."

Visit welcomehallmission.com to make an online donation on behalf of a mother who inspires you and send her an electronic card, or call 514-523-5288 to donate by phone.

About Welcome Hall Mission

Founded in 1892, Welcome Hall Mission has become the largest doorway to help Montrealers in need. Many programs are available to support the homeless, young single mothers, families, children and youth. Welcome Hall Mission aims at giving them hope through concrete actions and effective solutions to help them improve their lives and reintegrate into society.

To follow Welcome Hall Mission on social media:

Web site: welcomehallmission.com

Facebook: facebook.com/MissionBonAccueil

YouTube: youtube.com/user/whmba

Twitter: twitter.com/whmba

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/2528106?trk=tyah

¹ According to the Réseau d'aide aux personnes seules et itinérantes de Montréal (RAPSIM).