A Montreal women’s shelter is reminding the public it has new emergency resources to help vulnerable women when the weather gets cold. Chez Doris, which has 24 beds in its downtown permanent shelter, is adding six new spots for the winter. It also has a day warming centre with 10 additional beds and some 20 seated spaces for women to warm up, rest, have a snack and sip a hot beverage. Executive director Diane Pilote says the women who stay at the day shelter will have access to resources to help them long-term. “During this winter period, in the cold, we want to make sure they’re inside at night because it’s a question of survival,” says Pilote, who adds those sleeping outside are at risk of frostbite, hypothermia and other cold-related complications. Pilote says many women experiencing homelessness or who are fleeing domestic violence don’t like staying in mixed shelters as much as those dedicated to women. However, the night shelter is full year-round. Chez Doris wants to remind the public it has more resources this winter period. She hopes the word will be spread among friends, families and by talking to women on the street. “If they know that we are there ... we take care of them,” says Pilote. The day shelter is open every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m, with the exception of Wednesdays when it is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The night shelter is open every day from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. Chez Doris also has a health and social services centre open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. With files from CTV News Montreal’s Olivia O’Malley
