About
Resilience
Our Story
When the Open Door day centre left the Cabot Square area in 2019, violence in the square rose and at least 14 unhoused people died in the months that followed, 10 of them Indigenous. Résilience opened that November to fill the gap. During the pandemic we ran Montreal's first day centre in a park, and in June 2026 we moved into our permanent home at 780 Atwater.
What We Do
Along with meals, showers, laundry and clothing, we offer daytime naps for people who can't sleep safely at night. Our intervention workers help people find housing, return to their home communities, get into detox or rehab, see a psychologist, get legal help and replace their ID. Our work programs start with our Clean Team and lead to training in our kitchen, laundry and janitorial services. Participants receive a modest stipend, gain experience, and get help connecting with employers.
Cohabitation
We planned the centre with our neighbours from the start. The food line runs inside, up to the terrace instead of along the sidewalk, and garbage is kept in a refrigerated room until pickup. Our Clean Team, mediators, hotline and overnight watch help look after the area. Neighbours who once opposed the project now tell us every neighbourhood should have one.
Photo: Annie Fafard
Indigenous-Led
In Montreal's 2018 count, Indigenous people made up 12% of people experiencing homelessness, but less than 1% of the population. Our board is entirely Indigenous, as is most of our intervention team, many of whom have faced the same challenges as our clients. We serve country food every Tuesday and help organize community events, including the Every Child Matters march and memorials for unhoused community members who have passed away.
Our New Home
780 Atwater was designed with elders and knowledge-keepers, our clients, staff and neighbours. It includes a healing room inspired by a Mohawk longhouse, a cedar bath and a terrace garden. In our first month, conflicts inside the centre dropped by 80%. Come by during our opening hours and see it for yourself.
