Luc arrived at the Hôtellerie without a penny in his pocket. He had been evicted from a Quebec City shelter because of his alcohol and drug use. After agreeing to abide by the rules at the Army’s Hôtellerie pour Hommes, he was given a bed in its dormitory.

A week later, Luc moved into a permanent room in the hostel, giving its team the opportunity to begin working with him. Luc began attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and soon had his three-month certificate of sobriety. He also began a snow-shovelling contract. Staff helped him manage his money, obtain his identification documents and complete several years of income tax forms.

Luc has now moved to a rooming house and lives independently. He still receives the support he requires to stay away from alcohol and drugs, but he is living responsibly and on his own.

Hôtellerie pour Hommes
Men like Luc are the reason the Hôtellerie ministers in Quebec City. It opened in 1958, providing short- and long-term accommodation for homeless men and a social support for seniors who are in danger of becoming isolated. The Hôtellerie strives to go beyond simply providing food and lodging, offering an all-encompassing service of care and concern within a supportive environment.

Lucie Millette, program co-ordinator at the Hôtellerie as well as Maison Charlotte, credits the committed staff with progress she sees clients making. “We are proud of our employees who care about their work,” she says, “and particularly about the residents.”

The facility underwent a major renovation in the late 1990s. While preserving its historic façade, the interior was completely rebuilt to provide improved lodging for residents. Since that time it has focused on giving care to men with mental health challenges, offering short- and long-term stay programs for those who are unable to live on their own.

Millette points out the contrasts highlighting the needs of Quebec City’s less fortunate. “In the midst of expensive hotels and the thousands of tourists who come to visit our beautiful city, we are able to provide a service to those who have nowhere to go. We are happy to be able to help our neighbour right here in the heart of Quebec City.”

Maison Charlotte
Maison Charlotte opened in 1998 in memory of Mrs. Major Charlotte Booth. She, along with her husband, Major Stuart Booth, provided leadership in Quebec in the 1980s. Trained as a nurse in France, she recognized the need to support women in difficult circumstances.

Maison Charlotte houses 18 women and offers a place that encourages them to become self-sufficient and to develop healthy relationships in their communities. Staff are knowledgeable about the services available in Quebec City and help clients find the physical and mental health services they require, detoxification and drug and alcohol treatment, education and employment skills. They try to help women gain employment and become independent.

Suzanne was one such client. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, she was an angry woman who dressed provocatively to shock people who saw her. She quarrelled regularly with the counsellors and other women at Maison Charlotte.

In time, Suzanne began to accept the support she was offered. As she became involved in the activities at the centre, a transformation began in her life. 

Today, Suzanne’s relationship with her husband and young son has been re-established. The family has returned to their home and is making good progress.

Since its ministry began 10 years ago, Maison Charlotte has been operating at full capacity, sharing God’s love in a practical way. It provides care to women like Suzanne who have nowhere else to turn.