Our history
Founded on Judeo-Christian values, the organization's mission is to relieve the suffering of people in difficulty who live on the street, through concrete actions.
2002
Founded by Linda and André Faucher
The year 2002 marked the beginning of activities as well as the holding of the first Christmas intended for people experiencing homelessness at Émilie-Gamelin Park, in Montreal, near Sainte-Catherine and Berri streets. This location is unfortunately recognized as a gathering point for particularly vulnerable people, particularly those struggling with addiction issues, mental health or living various forms of social exclusion, and who find themselves without housing.
2003
Incorporation of the organization in July
In the basement of the family home, a kitchen was set up to prepare hot meals. By continuing to approach companies, we managed to obtain stoves, refrigerators, freezers and materials to build cabinets and shelves. By taking steps with food processors and agricultural producers, we can obtain the necessary ingredients to produce several liters of spaghetti sauce per week.
2005
Acquisition of an ambulance
A Heart for others presents itself as a hand reached out to the other, animated by great compassion and attentive listening.
A mobile unit, specially fitted out and equipped for emergency support, is made available to those who wish to find a listening ear or simply a shelter from the heat.
2012
Our first Lave-O-Thon and first Easter for the homeless
The year 2012 marked the launch of the very first Lave-O-Thon, an initiative that quickly became a recurring activity. Receiving no government aid, A Heart For Others launched this event to mobilize the generosity of donors, businesses and citizens to support its mission.
It was also at Émilie-Gamelin Park that the first celebration of Easter intended for people experiencing homelessness was held, offering a precious moment of sharing and human warmth.
2018
Acquisition of a new building
The organization reached a major milestone with the acquisition of a building on Le Moyne Street in Longueuil for its headquarters. Although Montreal remains its main field of action, its interventions are increasingly deployed in the South Shore territory.
2020
the COVID-19 pandemic
Our teams continue to distribute food and clothing on the streets, despite the global impact of the covid pandemic, respecting all necessary health precautions and directives.
2023
Acquisition of a new specialized mobile unit for street service
2024
Change of distribution location
A Heart for Others moved its distribution point to Saint-Hubert Street, at the corner of Maisonneuve.
The new location is only 50 meters from the old one, but it is more accessible for distribution and has less traffic, thus facilitating service to beneficiaries.
2025
Our mission continues
For over twenty years, A Heart For Others has relied on its own building, 4 mobile support units and a team of 40 passionate volunteers. With unwavering compassion, we distribute food aid and clothing at 3 major intervention sites, bringing comfort and hope to the needy, come rain, wind or snow.
Understanding the Reality
Poverty is a reality we all interact with, but our reactions vary based on our training, social status and beliefs. The interpretation we make of it is often erroneous.
We show compassion and respect towards homeless people who have sometimes lost their dignity and self-esteem. Many of them are prisoners of addiction (drinking, gambling, drugs), prostitution or violence.
We want to give them back the joy of living.
Heart of the mission
The mission of A Heart For Others is to bring help to people in difficulty directly on the streets. Since we have observed that they frequently find themselves wandering in search of help, which often arrives too late, we go to meet them.
Homelessness on the rise
People in Quebec
During the last count in 2022, the Ministry of Health had counted some 10,000 people experiencing homelessness in Quebec.
Observation in Montreal
Significant increase in visible homelessness. The problem now affects several neighborhoods, not just the downtown area.
The causes
- Housing affordability crisis
- Mental health and addiction issues
- Economic instability
- Insufficient social services and support delays
Most affected
Organization Figures
Our Concrete Impact
The number of homeless and underprivileged people we reach out to every week since 2002.
The average number of our volunteer team each week.
The value of food items distributed free of charge per year thanks to people's generosity.
The average number of pairs of socks distributed per year.