Its founder, Yvonne Maisonneuve, devoted all her efforts to the service of a cause she believed was just and important: helping women experiencing difficult situations. Then, loyal supporters came to lend a hand and joined as volunteers to further Yvonne Maisonneuve’s work.
These urban missionaries forged Le Chaînon’s foundations. It is now the main women’s shelter in Quebec for women in need. For eighty-five years, people of heart have contributed to its growth and expansion.
History by year
1932
Création du Chaînon
Yvonne Maisonneuve opens her first foster home for girls on Fairmount Street in Montreal.
1940
Déménagement
The foster home moves to 101 de la Gauchetière Street.
1946
Service d'acueil
Addition of a service to welcome mothers with children, which will be offered for thirty-three years.
1947
Establishment of a service to welcome girls, which will operate for twenty years.
1950
The Institut Notre-Dame de la Protection is structured as an association whose members, working as urban missionaries, will be called "associates".
1971
Yvon Deschamps becomes its spokesperson. He was the voice of the Chaînon for 30 years.
1974
Expropriation forces the temporary closure of the house.
1975
Housed on Avenue Esplanade in a building loaned by the Priests of Saint-Sulpice. Employees and volunteers are beginning to expand the ranks of the organization.
1978
Adoption of the name Association d’entraide Le Chaînon.
1979
All housing services are now dedicated to single women.
1980
Yvonne Maisonneuve passes on Christmas day.
1984
Reorganization of the services offered, and addition of spaces to allow for longer stays.
1987
Redevelopment of housing units, and opening of 12 Stay-for-the-Night service placements and four emergency placements.
1993
Opening of the first Maison Yvonne-Maisonneuve, offering 14 placements for older women who have previously stayed at Le Chaînon.
2000
A fire results in the total loss of Le Chaînon's store, Le Coffre aux trésors, which reopens on September 13 at its current location, boulevard Saint-Laurent.
2003
Inauguration of the new Maison Yvonne-Maisonneuve, which is better adapted to the needs of the residents.
2011
Thanks to a major fundraising campaign, Le Chaînon becomes the owner of the building it has occupied since 1975.
2013
Celebration of the 80th anniversary of Le Chaînon, which has become the principal shelter resource for women in difficulty in Quebec. Le Chaînon’s promotional campaign “Maillon à maillon” is widely publicized.
2014
Establishment of Le Chaînon Foundation, dedicated exclusively to financially supporting Le Chaînon.
2015
The main House offers a new look after a major renovation project.
2017
Inauguration of Yvonne-Maisonneuve Park.
2019-2020
Le Chaînon celebrates its 86 years of existence.
2020
Renovation and inauguration of La Maison Sainte-Marie, a second-step women’s shelter consisting of 49 housing units.
2021
The government progressively lifts certain measures imposed during the pandemic. The Chaînon can resume its activities while respecting public health guidelines. Le Magasin Le Chaînon welcomes clients again and its fundraising campaigns and activities are adapted to be delivered virtually.
Our staff is made up of competent and committed individuals who are dedicated to putting their talent and creativity at the service of the organization.
We want to provide the residents we meet on a daily basis, the best conditions that will favour their return to autonomy. Animated by the fundamental values of Le Chaînon, everyone feels a great pride in working for this noble cause.
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