The Mission Bon Accueil has been helping Montreal’s disadvantaged for well over a hundred years now. In 1892, it started as a men’s shelter as has since expanded not only in size but in services. The non-profit now hosts a youth centre, children’s services, and a food bank among many others. “Wherever people are at in the process, our goal is to help people get to the next step,” says associate executive director of operations Joan Anderson.
Tuesdays and Thursdays the food bank serves meals for anyone who has booked in advance. Once they are registered with the Mission they are able to participate in the food bank every two weeks. “People come from all over the Island. These are low-income families, people that are below the poverty line. Somebody who’s lost their job and needs help in the interim.” Mission Bon Accueil has a homeless shelter as well, which gives out food to the homeless.