Homeless shelters, places of comfort to break the loneliness at Christmas in Montreal

As Christmas approaches, a sense of urgency, anxiety, or restlessness is visible among people experiencing homelessness, according to shelters in Montreal. The Union Gospel Mission night shelter in Vancouver, British Columbia, photographed on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press)

As Christmas approaches, a sense of urgency, anxiety, or restlessness is visible among people experiencing homelessness, according to Montreal shelters that organize activities during this period to bring them comfort and break the loneliness.

The holiday season brings a “slightly more pressing” need to find a place to stay, according to Louise Waridel, assistant executive director of La rue des femmes de Montréal.

“It’s as if there’s an emergency,” she says.

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For the organization’s three shelters, this time of year is always synonymous with overflow. Every day, they must turn away several women, as all 60 places are occupied.

“As the holidays approach, we see a slightly higher demand and, above all, a lot more restlessness among the women we receive,” Waridel said.

The festivities at the end of December can bring back “past fractures,” “wounds,” or “family rifts” for many, who then fear finding themselves alone, says the director of La rue des femmes.

At Maison du Père, which is often full, the assistant director of clinical services, Duane Mansveld, notices a “fairly palpable anxiety.”

“Often, people end up on the streets because they have broken ties with their social network. So, the holiday season, when it’s a time to be with friends or family, brings back those memories and a little more anxiety, reminding them of the situation they are in,” Mansveld said.

Various organizations are planning a series of events and activities with the help of volunteers, including Christmas dinners, gift distribution, movie days, creative activities, cookie baking, Christmas tree decorating, and New Year’s brunch.

“We create moments of togetherness, moments when they can be together in a relaxed atmosphere and feel that sense of family and belonging, which helps them not to feel so alone,” says Waridel.

She notes that this period offers “beautiful moments filled with magic” between the women, but also sometimes moments when distress or sadness is more keenly felt.

At the Refuge des jeunes de Montréal, former users call and even come back for a visit during the holidays.

“It’s sad to think that for some people, this is the only place they can spend Christmas. But at the same time, it brings me some peace of mind to think that they will be able to be with us,” says France Labelle, executive director and co-founder of the organization.

Many of the young people the shelter takes in are migrants, who are far from their families.

“Christmas, when you’re on the street, is not a happy time. So, it’s often a reminder of what wasn’t possible or what was difficult. (...) We try to soften it a little bit, to bring a little bit of warmth,” Labelle said.

Warming centres

Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada has committed to adding 500 spaces in warming centres for the homeless by Christmas. Last week, she said that the goal was on track to be exceeded.

La Maison du Père is among those who have contributed to meeting the commitment with the addition of 15 spots. Mansveld believes that the current situation is “better managed” than in previous years with the opening of additional warming centers.

Nevertheless, this is a temporary measure or a band-aid solution to prevent people from being left outside during the cold winter months. Emergency beds remain the best gateway to services to help people get off the streets, says Mansveld.

Although these spaces are important, not everyone feels safe there, says Waridel. Several women tell her that they refuse to go there and prefer to make other arrangements.

“Sometimes it’s because they don’t like mixed-gender spaces. They don’t feel comfortable or safe,” says Waridel.

In the long term, sustainable solutions are needed to end the homelessness crisis that is shaking Quebec, according to stakeholders interviewed by The Canadian Press.

“We must continue to work very hard on the conditions that lead to homelessness: the housing crisis and poverty. It is very, very important to work very hard on different forms of affordable housing and community support. We can’t always be in reactive mode. We also need to be proactive,” Labelle added

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Dec. 23, 2025.

By Frédéric Lacroix-Couture, The Canadian Press