Chez Doris opens new women-only warming station, urges Montrealers to spread the word

Montreal women’s shelter Chez Doris has opened a new warming station downtown, but staff worry many vulnerable women still aren’t aware of it.

The site on Chomedey St. has 30 spots and is designed for women who avoid mixed-gender shelters because they don’t feel comfortable or safe around men.

Chez Doris executive director Diane Pilote says the public can play a role in helping women in difficulty learn about the space.

“The public can help us, just to tell the people that they see – women that they see in difficulty – maybe just say, ‘Do you know? Because… this winter they have some spaces at night for you’” she said, adding that, “our women don’t like to be… or they don’t feel secure when they are in the mixed shelter.”

The warming station is open 24 hours a day, every day.