December 4, 2021: CTV News
Matt Gilmour: "Spreading holiday cheer: 3,500 toys to be donated to Montreal's children in need"
"Over the course of the next three weeks, volunteers at the Welcome Hall Mission will hand out close to 3,500 Christmas presents to 1,500 children in need. “They are so excited,” one Montreal mother told CTV News. “They have been looking forward to today and here they are.” The toys are all brand new and there’s something for kids of all ages..."
(Read the full story here.)
Matt Gilmour: "Spreading holiday cheer: 3,500 toys to be donated to Montreal's children in need"
"Over the course of the next three weeks, volunteers at the Welcome Hall Mission will hand out close to 3,500 Christmas presents to 1,500 children in need. “They are so excited,” one Montreal mother told CTV News. “They have been looking forward to today and here they are.” The toys are all brand new and there’s something for kids of all ages..."
(Read the full story here.)
November 15, 2021, City News
"A new centre helping young people in Montreal North"
( Watch the story here.)
"A new centre helping young people in Montreal North"
( Watch the story here.)
November 15, 2021, Montreal Gazette
Allison Hanes: "Welcome Hall Mission bringing help to where it's needed"
"With svelte sofas, a sparkling kitchen and a big-screen TV, the loft-like space above the Marché Bon Accueil on Henri-Bourassa Blvd. E. in Montreal North looks like it could be the offices of the city’s latest tech startup..."
(Read the full story here.)
Allison Hanes: "Welcome Hall Mission bringing help to where it's needed"
"With svelte sofas, a sparkling kitchen and a big-screen TV, the loft-like space above the Marché Bon Accueil on Henri-Bourassa Blvd. E. in Montreal North looks like it could be the offices of the city’s latest tech startup..."
(Read the full story here.)
November 15, 2021, Global News
Olivia O'Malley: "Welcome Hall Mission unveils new youth-services centre in Montreal North"
"The Welcome Hall Mission officially opened the doors to its brand new youth-services centre Monday morning. The resource relocated to Montreal North during the pandemic after noticing a desperate need for youth community services in the area where 30 per cent of it’s younger clientele lives..."
(Read the full story here.)
Olivia O'Malley: "Welcome Hall Mission unveils new youth-services centre in Montreal North"
"The Welcome Hall Mission officially opened the doors to its brand new youth-services centre Monday morning. The resource relocated to Montreal North during the pandemic after noticing a desperate need for youth community services in the area where 30 per cent of it’s younger clientele lives..."
(Read the full story here.)
October 18, 2021, Global News
Tim Sergeant: "Provincial government funding to help fight homelessness in Quebec"
"The Quebec government is injecting $280 million over the next five years to help fight homelessness and find permanent places to live for people who don’t have fixed addresses. The money is being earmarked for shelters such as the Old Brewery Mission and the Welcome Hall Mission in Montreal..."
(Read the full story here.)
Tim Sergeant: "Provincial government funding to help fight homelessness in Quebec"
"The Quebec government is injecting $280 million over the next five years to help fight homelessness and find permanent places to live for people who don’t have fixed addresses. The money is being earmarked for shelters such as the Old Brewery Mission and the Welcome Hall Mission in Montreal..."
(Read the full story here.)
October 9, 2021, City Montreal (CJNT)
( Watch the story here.)
( Watch the story here.)
September 27, 2021, The Montreal Gazette
Allison Hanes: "No more stop-gap measures, say Montreal homeless groups"
"They have a plan, they have a reasonable budget, they have a proven track record — and they have an ultimatum for the Quebec government. The seven organizations that care for 90 per cent of homeless Montrealers have put their heads together and come up with a strategy they believe will offer the necessary supports to put a permanent roof over the heads of those living on the streets..."
(Read the full story here.)
Allison Hanes: "No more stop-gap measures, say Montreal homeless groups"
"They have a plan, they have a reasonable budget, they have a proven track record — and they have an ultimatum for the Quebec government. The seven organizations that care for 90 per cent of homeless Montrealers have put their heads together and come up with a strategy they believe will offer the necessary supports to put a permanent roof over the heads of those living on the streets..."
(Read the full story here.)
September 26, 2021, CTV News
Matt Gilmour and Daniel J. Rowe: "With winter coming, Montreal homeless shelters need more beds open 24/7"
"Montreal's homeless shelters are facing a critical bed shortage. Staff and management at the shelters say they need about 600 more beds and they want them to be available 24/7..."
(Read the full story here.)
Matt Gilmour and Daniel J. Rowe: "With winter coming, Montreal homeless shelters need more beds open 24/7"
"Montreal's homeless shelters are facing a critical bed shortage. Staff and management at the shelters say they need about 600 more beds and they want them to be available 24/7..."
(Read the full story here.)
August 30, 2021, The Montreal Gazette
Allison Hanes: "Housing may be sleeper issue of busy election season"
"Montreal was once considered a renters’ paradise and one of the more affordable real-estate markets in North America.But it has undergone a dramatic shift in recent years. On just about every front, housing has become more expensive and more precarious..."
(Read the full story here.)
Allison Hanes: "Housing may be sleeper issue of busy election season"
"Montreal was once considered a renters’ paradise and one of the more affordable real-estate markets in North America.But it has undergone a dramatic shift in recent years. On just about every front, housing has become more expensive and more precarious..."
(Read the full story here.)
August 9, 2021, The Montreal Gazette
Video: "Montreal's homelessness crisis: Welcome Hall Mission director sees chance to make lasting change"
(Watch the video here.)
Video: "Montreal's homelessness crisis: Welcome Hall Mission director sees chance to make lasting change"
(Watch the video here.)
August 9, 2021, The Montreal Gazette
Jason Madger: "Shelters hope pandemic will spur solution to city's homelessness crisis"
“This pandemic potentially gives us the opportunity for the first time to look at the overall system and say: ‘We can do better than this,'” he said in an interview with the Montreal Gazette on Monday..."
(Read the full story here.)
Jason Madger: "Shelters hope pandemic will spur solution to city's homelessness crisis"
“This pandemic potentially gives us the opportunity for the first time to look at the overall system and say: ‘We can do better than this,'” he said in an interview with the Montreal Gazette on Monday..."
(Read the full story here.)
July 12, 2021, The Montrealer
Peter Kerr: "Sam Watts- his fresh approach as CEO brings client-centred services to Welcome Hall Mission"
"Sam Watts enjoyed a successful business career, primarily as a consultant in the pharmaceutical industry before being recruited to become the CEO of the Welcome Hall Mission. His combination of business acumen and a desire to help less fortunate people has brought a renewed vigor and expanded services to the mission..."
(Read the full story here.)
Peter Kerr: "Sam Watts- his fresh approach as CEO brings client-centred services to Welcome Hall Mission"
"Sam Watts enjoyed a successful business career, primarily as a consultant in the pharmaceutical industry before being recruited to become the CEO of the Welcome Hall Mission. His combination of business acumen and a desire to help less fortunate people has brought a renewed vigor and expanded services to the mission..."
(Read the full story here.)
June 7, 2021, CityNews
Canadian Press: "Cities are adapting to a heat wave in a pandemic that has closed many cool places"
"Cities in Eastern Canada are adapting their heat wave-response plans, as pandemic restrictions have closed many places where people normally go to beat the heat...Sam Watts, the CEO of Welcome Hall Mission, said his organization began implementing its heat wave plan on Thursday, distributing bottles of water to people experiencing homelessness and encouraging them to stay in the shade or inside..."
(Read the full story here.)
Canadian Press: "Cities are adapting to a heat wave in a pandemic that has closed many cool places"
"Cities in Eastern Canada are adapting their heat wave-response plans, as pandemic restrictions have closed many places where people normally go to beat the heat...Sam Watts, the CEO of Welcome Hall Mission, said his organization began implementing its heat wave plan on Thursday, distributing bottles of water to people experiencing homelessness and encouraging them to stay in the shade or inside..."
(Read the full story here.)
June 5, 2021, CBC
Fenn Mayes: "Local shelters find Montrealers a permanent place to call home"
"Roger Gobeil spends the afternoon at Place Émilie-Gamelin in downtown Montreal, the day before he moves into his new home. This was the same spot where a stranger approached him two months ago, and asked if he was OK..."
(Read the full story here.)
Fenn Mayes: "Local shelters find Montrealers a permanent place to call home"
"Roger Gobeil spends the afternoon at Place Émilie-Gamelin in downtown Montreal, the day before he moves into his new home. This was the same spot where a stranger approached him two months ago, and asked if he was OK..."
(Read the full story here.)
June 6, 2021, Global News
Elizabeth Zogalis: "Montrealers prepare for the first heat wave of the season"
"It’s not quite summer yet — but balmy temperatures have arrived in the city.
Until Tuesday, Montreal and surrounding regions will be under a heat wave warning. According to Environment Canada, temperatures will reach and exceed 30 C, with humidex values expected to hit 40..."
(Read the full story here.)
Elizabeth Zogalis: "Montrealers prepare for the first heat wave of the season"
"It’s not quite summer yet — but balmy temperatures have arrived in the city.
Until Tuesday, Montreal and surrounding regions will be under a heat wave warning. According to Environment Canada, temperatures will reach and exceed 30 C, with humidex values expected to hit 40..."
(Read the full story here.)
June 5, 2021, CBC
Fenn Mayes: "Local shelters find Montrealers a permanent place to call home"
"Roger Gobeil spends the afternoon at Place Émilie-Gamelin in downtown Montreal, the day before he moves into his new home. This was the same spot where a stranger approached him two months ago, and asked if he was OK.
Gobeil wasn't OK. Gobeil is one of the first participants in Programme Bienvenue, a three-month rapid housing pilot project developed by the Welcome Hall Mission. In collaboration with Projet Logement Montréal..."
(Read the full story here.)
Fenn Mayes: "Local shelters find Montrealers a permanent place to call home"
"Roger Gobeil spends the afternoon at Place Émilie-Gamelin in downtown Montreal, the day before he moves into his new home. This was the same spot where a stranger approached him two months ago, and asked if he was OK.
Gobeil wasn't OK. Gobeil is one of the first participants in Programme Bienvenue, a three-month rapid housing pilot project developed by the Welcome Hall Mission. In collaboration with Projet Logement Montréal..."
(Read the full story here.)
June 4, 2021, CBC Radio One 88.5FM
(Listen to the story here.)
(Listen to the story here.)
May 4, 2021, CBC Radio One 88.5FM
(Listen to the story here.)
(Listen to the story here.)
April 1, 2021, Global News
Kalina Laframboise: "A permanent housing project in Montreal tries to help a city hit hard by COVID, apartment crunch"
"Over the next three months, front-line workers will scour the island to meet with potential landlords, secure leases, and find apartments to help homeless Montrealers find a place to call their own in a city hit hard by a housing crunch and the COVID-19 pandemic..." (Read the full story here.)
Kalina Laframboise: "A permanent housing project in Montreal tries to help a city hit hard by COVID, apartment crunch"
"Over the next three months, front-line workers will scour the island to meet with potential landlords, secure leases, and find apartments to help homeless Montrealers find a place to call their own in a city hit hard by a housing crunch and the COVID-19 pandemic..." (Read the full story here.)
March 25, 2021, CTV News
Billy Shields: "Calls for more help for homeless after desecration at historic church in Montreal"
"Members of the Union United Church came to the house of worship to pick up food for its popular food bank Wednesday afternoon to find the stairs strewn with human waste and the back wall covered in graffiti..." (Read the full story here.)
Billy Shields: "Calls for more help for homeless after desecration at historic church in Montreal"
"Members of the Union United Church came to the house of worship to pick up food for its popular food bank Wednesday afternoon to find the stairs strewn with human waste and the back wall covered in graffiti..." (Read the full story here.)
December 6, 2020, The Brandon Sun
Jacob Serebrin: 'From tents to converted 4-star hotel, pandemic prompts changes for Montreal homeless'
"Alexandre was sorting cans one recent morning outside a tent pitched next to a busy Montreal road by the Port of Montreal.
Until the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he had been sleeping at a homeless shelter, but when health measures forced the shelter to cut its capacity, he was forced onto the street. For the past three months, Alexandre, who refused to give his last name, has called this informal encampment east of downtown Montreal home..." (Read the full story here.)
Jacob Serebrin: 'From tents to converted 4-star hotel, pandemic prompts changes for Montreal homeless'
"Alexandre was sorting cans one recent morning outside a tent pitched next to a busy Montreal road by the Port of Montreal.
Until the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he had been sleeping at a homeless shelter, but when health measures forced the shelter to cut its capacity, he was forced onto the street. For the past three months, Alexandre, who refused to give his last name, has called this informal encampment east of downtown Montreal home..." (Read the full story here.)
December 4, 2020, CTV News
Sam Watts: 'What if COVID-19 was an opportunity to fix long-standing complex social challenges?'
"The COVID-19 pandemic has elevated the awareness of the fragility of our social safety net and put a spotlight on a number of complex social problems. Hunger, poverty and homelessness are on the rise. With the current uncertainties in many economic sectors that are likely to continue well beyond 2021..." (Read the full story here.)
Sam Watts: 'What if COVID-19 was an opportunity to fix long-standing complex social challenges?'
"The COVID-19 pandemic has elevated the awareness of the fragility of our social safety net and put a spotlight on a number of complex social problems. Hunger, poverty and homelessness are on the rise. With the current uncertainties in many economic sectors that are likely to continue well beyond 2021..." (Read the full story here.)
December 4, 2020, La Presse
Sam Watts: 'Et si la pandémie devenait une occasion de se réinventer?'
"La pandémie de COVID-19 nous a tous fait prendre conscience de la fragilité de notre filet de sécurité sociale et a mis en lumière un certain nombre de problèmes sociaux complexes. La faim, la pauvreté et l’itinérance sont en augmentation. Qui plus est, les incertitudes dans de nombreux secteurs économiques..." (Read the full story here.)
Sam Watts: 'Et si la pandémie devenait une occasion de se réinventer?'
"La pandémie de COVID-19 nous a tous fait prendre conscience de la fragilité de notre filet de sécurité sociale et a mis en lumière un certain nombre de problèmes sociaux complexes. La faim, la pauvreté et l’itinérance sont en augmentation. Qui plus est, les incertitudes dans de nombreux secteurs économiques..." (Read the full story here.)
November 30, 2020, CityNews Montreal
"Welcome Hall Mission spreads holiday cheer"
(Watch the story here.)
"Welcome Hall Mission spreads holiday cheer"
(Watch the story here.)
August 25, 2020, Global TV News
Olivia O'Malley: Welcome Hall Mission and its partners announced that the Ross Pavillion of the Old Royal Victoria Hospital is becoming a 24/7 resource for Montreal’s homeless population — the shelter will be dedicated to helping men and women get back into housing. (Read the full story here.)
Olivia O'Malley: Welcome Hall Mission and its partners announced that the Ross Pavillion of the Old Royal Victoria Hospital is becoming a 24/7 resource for Montreal’s homeless population — the shelter will be dedicated to helping men and women get back into housing. (Read the full story here.)
August 17, 2020, Montreal Gazette
'Mitigating the pandemic's impact on vulnerable families'
"While we have all heard a great deal about many of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, others remain relatively unnoticed. Among those are the major harms to children and families, which we have seen in our work with the Welcome Hall Mission..." (Read the full story here.)
'Mitigating the pandemic's impact on vulnerable families'
"While we have all heard a great deal about many of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, others remain relatively unnoticed. Among those are the major harms to children and families, which we have seen in our work with the Welcome Hall Mission..." (Read the full story here.)
July 19, 2020, Montreal Gazette
'Allison Hanes: Challenging myths in the fight against homelessness'
"The months since COVID-19 made landfall in Montreal have been a whirlwind of activity for Samuel Watts, the CEO of the Welcome Hall Mission. As Quebec locked down and the city and province sprung into action to protect the high-risk homeless population, Watts went from operating one emergency shelter to running five..." (Read the full story here.)
'Allison Hanes: Challenging myths in the fight against homelessness'
"The months since COVID-19 made landfall in Montreal have been a whirlwind of activity for Samuel Watts, the CEO of the Welcome Hall Mission. As Quebec locked down and the city and province sprung into action to protect the high-risk homeless population, Watts went from operating one emergency shelter to running five..." (Read the full story here.)
May 29, 2020, iHeart Radio
Radio interview on the book Good Work Done Better with Dave Kaufman.
(Listen below.)
Radio interview on the book Good Work Done Better with Dave Kaufman.
(Listen below.)
May 26, 2020, Montreal Gazette
'Montreal homeless haven't seen 'one penny' of emergency funds: shelter director'
"Montreal is being shortchanged on emergency funding meant to go toward fighting the spread of COVID-19 among its homeless population, according to three experts on homelessness. If the situation isn’t rectified soon, hundreds more people will end up living on the street before the pandemic is done..." (Read the full story here.)
'Montreal homeless haven't seen 'one penny' of emergency funds: shelter director'
"Montreal is being shortchanged on emergency funding meant to go toward fighting the spread of COVID-19 among its homeless population, according to three experts on homelessness. If the situation isn’t rectified soon, hundreds more people will end up living on the street before the pandemic is done..." (Read the full story here.)
April 23, 2020, CBC News
'It snowballed': Montreal food banks and other charities struggle to meet demand'
"Moisson Montréal increases output by 30% - Sam Watts, CEO of the Welcome Hall Mission, told CBC there has not been a notable increase in homelessness, but the demand on food services has gone way up. He encourages people to donate or volunteer if they can." (Read the full story here.)
'It snowballed': Montreal food banks and other charities struggle to meet demand'
"Moisson Montréal increases output by 30% - Sam Watts, CEO of the Welcome Hall Mission, told CBC there has not been a notable increase in homelessness, but the demand on food services has gone way up. He encourages people to donate or volunteer if they can." (Read the full story here.)
April 20, 2020, CBC News
'Maurice Richard Arena turned into shelter as city seeks new ways to help homeless avoid COVID-19'
"Need for long-term plan now: Watts - Sam Watts, CEO of Welcome Hall Mission, is currently managing five shelters, along with community partners such as the Old Brewery Mission. Watts is not involved with the Maurice Richard Arena initiative, however. He said he only learned about the east-end shelter on Monday, and while he is pleased to see the Plante administration helping the homeless, he said it's important that organizations remain involved at every step..." (Read the full story here.)
'Maurice Richard Arena turned into shelter as city seeks new ways to help homeless avoid COVID-19'
"Need for long-term plan now: Watts - Sam Watts, CEO of Welcome Hall Mission, is currently managing five shelters, along with community partners such as the Old Brewery Mission. Watts is not involved with the Maurice Richard Arena initiative, however. He said he only learned about the east-end shelter on Monday, and while he is pleased to see the Plante administration helping the homeless, he said it's important that organizations remain involved at every step..." (Read the full story here.)
April 13, 2020, CBC News
'Montreal readies hotel beds for homeless amid pandemic, but gaps in assistance remain'
"...Sam Watts, head of the Welcome Hall Mission, has been assisting the city in its response. He acknowledged there's still confusion as to where people with pets and addictions can go." (Read the full story here.)
'Montreal readies hotel beds for homeless amid pandemic, but gaps in assistance remain'
"...Sam Watts, head of the Welcome Hall Mission, has been assisting the city in its response. He acknowledged there's still confusion as to where people with pets and addictions can go." (Read the full story here.)
April 12, 2020, CTV News
'Multiple homeless Montrealers given tickets for physical distancing infractions'
"Welcome Hall Mission CEO Sam Watts said ticketing the homeless is a worrisome practice, regardless of their age..." (Read the full story here.)
'Multiple homeless Montrealers given tickets for physical distancing infractions'
"Welcome Hall Mission CEO Sam Watts said ticketing the homeless is a worrisome practice, regardless of their age..." (Read the full story here.)
April 1, 2020, CBC News
‘A time for hope, not a time for despair'
"Sam Watts, the head of the Welcome Hall Mission, gave a moving speech as the city unveiled new measures to protect the homeless population from COVID-19." (Link)
‘A time for hope, not a time for despair'
"Sam Watts, the head of the Welcome Hall Mission, gave a moving speech as the city unveiled new measures to protect the homeless population from COVID-19." (Link)
March 31, 2020, CBC News
'Montreal opens new shelters, outdoor day centres to reach out to homeless in pandemic'
"...Sam Watts, CEO of Welcome Hall Mission, commended the combined effort of community groups, the city and public health. Without that partnership, he said, nothing much happens. But there is still work to do..." (Read the full story here.)
'Montreal opens new shelters, outdoor day centres to reach out to homeless in pandemic'
"...Sam Watts, CEO of Welcome Hall Mission, commended the combined effort of community groups, the city and public health. Without that partnership, he said, nothing much happens. But there is still work to do..." (Read the full story here.)
March 20, 2020, CBC News
'Montreal's old Royal Victoria Hospital to be converted to COVID-19 isolation unit for homeless'
"The old Royal Victoria Hospital on the flank of Mount Royal, which has served as a temporary overflow shelter for homeless Montrealers and their pets for the last two winters, is being converted into a COVID-19 isolation unit for homeless people awaiting testing or those who become infected." (Read the full story here.)
'Montreal's old Royal Victoria Hospital to be converted to COVID-19 isolation unit for homeless'
"The old Royal Victoria Hospital on the flank of Mount Royal, which has served as a temporary overflow shelter for homeless Montrealers and their pets for the last two winters, is being converted into a COVID-19 isolation unit for homeless people awaiting testing or those who become infected." (Read the full story here.)
March 18, 2020, Forbes
'Shelters And Food Banks Helping Those Among Most Vulnerable To The Coronavirus'
"...Sam Watts, CEO of the Welcome Hall Mission in Montreal fears that information and instructions about the novel coronavirus do not sufficiently take into account precarious wage earners and those experiencing homelessness, many of whom are immunocompromised..." (Read the full story here.)
'Shelters And Food Banks Helping Those Among Most Vulnerable To The Coronavirus'
"...Sam Watts, CEO of the Welcome Hall Mission in Montreal fears that information and instructions about the novel coronavirus do not sufficiently take into account precarious wage earners and those experiencing homelessness, many of whom are immunocompromised..." (Read the full story here.)
March 5, 2019, Mission Bon Accueil/Welcome Hall Mission
"Marché Bon Accueil"
(Visit the website here.)
"Marché Bon Accueil"
(Visit the website here.)
December 29, 2019, Global News
'Sam Watts talks helping Montrealers in need, social isolation and community support'
"Sam Watts is the CEO of Welcome Hall Mission, a long-standing organization that provides support to children, adults and families in need in Montreal. After leaving the business world, Watts joined Welcome Hall Mission in 2016. He has played a key role in helping the city’s homeless people and building strong relationships with other non-profit organizations. He spoke with Global News about how the past decade shaped up, the challenges in his line of work and his hopes for the future. (Read the full story here.)
'Sam Watts talks helping Montrealers in need, social isolation and community support'
"Sam Watts is the CEO of Welcome Hall Mission, a long-standing organization that provides support to children, adults and families in need in Montreal. After leaving the business world, Watts joined Welcome Hall Mission in 2016. He has played a key role in helping the city’s homeless people and building strong relationships with other non-profit organizations. He spoke with Global News about how the past decade shaped up, the challenges in his line of work and his hopes for the future. (Read the full story here.)