Resilience Montreal’s new home is more than just a building — it is the culmination of years of planning, fundraising, and collaboration. The Indigenous-led organization officially opened the doors to its permanent wellness centre on Tuesday, marking a major milestone. Located a short walk from Cabot Square, the purpose-built facility was designed for Indigenous people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, bringing a wide range of services together under one roof. For Nakuset, executive director of the Native Women’s Shelter and co-founder of Resilience Montreal, it is the realization of a long-held vision. “No one is doing this — it is a one-stop shop,” said Nakuset. “Shelters are going to have to start doing better throughout the world.” Years in the making Starting in 2019, the organization operated out of a temporary location for more than six years. “We were in an old McDonald’s with basically just a paint job,” recalled executive director David Chapman. “We sought to buy a building then, but it is complicated to buy anything, especially as a homeless resource.” Despite the many financial and administrative hurdles, Chapman said there was no compromising when it came to the location. “We knew the building had limitations and that we were going to have to make modifications,” added Chapman. From excavating a basement to create a refrigerated garbage room to soundproofing the rooftop terrace, significant work went into ensuring the centre would fit within the surrounding neighbourhood. Chapman said the inauguration comes at a time when demand for services continues to grow and as the organization reports an increase in deaths among people living unhoused near Cabot Square. With a clear purpose for the centre, Chapman said it was built around a simple principle: meeting people where they are. “This space is unapologetically saying, ‘This will be home for a while for some people, and we don’t apologize for that,’” he said. “We are not aiming to accommodate the largest number of people at the lowest possible cost. We want to bring dignity to people now — not down the road, but today.” Along with providing a place to rest and do laundry, the three-storey building was designed to remove barriers that often prevent vulnerable people from accessing care. Nakuset said the centre’s approach is particularly important for Indigenous people, who reports have shown are more likely to face discrimination or unsafe conditions when seeking help from public services in Quebec. While celebrating the opening, she argued that broader systemic change remains necessary. She pointed to recommendations from the Viens Commission, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, saying many have yet to be fully implemented. “This is a way for (clients) to start the healing process, and we’re making it a safe place for them to get services,” she said. Designing spaces with purpose The building was shaped through years of engagement with the people who would ultimately use it. Architect Claire Davenport said the project focused on creating more than just a shelter. “There is power and value in creating specifically tailored and dignified spaces for people who are moving on to their next phase in life,” she said. “Because, sometimes, that idea of home versus just putting a roof over your head is where the potential is.” One of the biggest challenges, added Davenport, was crafting a design that merged all of the different perspectives involved — whether it came from First Nation and Inuit community members, staff, volunteers, local Indigenous leaders and elders. “How do we incorporate elements that address all of these different voices?” she asked. Ultimately, years of ongoing conversations with community members helped shape what Davenport described as a dignified and respectful space designed specifically for clients. The facility incorporates ceremonial spaces, abundant natural light, a wall of plants, and plenty of wood. “These large antique doors that were recovered from the old building,” Davenport pointed out. “We spent a lot of time talking about the importance of that threshold as you step inside and the idea that the energy should shift.” Organizers say elements were chosen to create an environment that promotes healing, connection, and a sense of belonging. But the centre’s impact extends beyond design or even the services it offers. About 20 people with lived experience of homelessness are employed through a Resilience Montreal program that provides training and work opportunities within the organization. Among them is Nathan Neil, who received support from the organization when becoming unhoused just before the pandemic. “That daily struggle was a lot easier with Resilience on my side,” he said, adding that the organization helped him eventually secure housing. Neil chose to remain involved and help support others facing similar challenges. “I wanted to give a little bit of time and give back,” he said. “I am so proud to be part of this family.” With its new centre now open, organizers said their mission remains unchanged: ensuring people know they matter.
