History
The history of this hostel dates back to December 1988. The Pneumology Department of Montreal’s Sacré-Coeur Hospital was setting up an outpatient program to reduce the waiting lists caused by penury shortage of beds. Following the success of the initiative, the Department was eager to extend its accessibility to patients from distant areas. As the program concerned patients who did not need hospitalization, it was necessary to find low cost accommodation for them near the hospital, while they were in Montreal.
Pneumologist Dr. Gilles Blanchette, and Mrs. Nicole Théorêt, head nurse of the Pneumology Department, knocked on the door of the Sisters of Providence at Salaberry Residence, to discuss the possibility of accommodating a number of patients. Following consultation with Sister Laurette Adam, provincial superior, about offering accommodations on a trial basis, the provincial leadership team gave its approval on January 30, 1989. As the project met urgent humane needs, the policies and procedures were quickly developed, and three rooms were immediately made available for future patients. The Hôtellerie welcomed its first patient on February 5, 1989. During the first year, doctors from other departments of Sacré-Coeur Hospital became aware of the project and expressed interest to in taking part in it. Admissions multiplied so quickly that it was decided to increase the number of rooms available.
Presentation of the work
Type of work: Hospitality and accommodation
Area: Montreal (Quebec, Canada) Date of foundation: February 5, 1989 Coordinator: Sr. Murielle Cholette
To assure proper operation of the Hôtellerie, service is provided by a day shift and an evening shift. Several sisters of Salaberry Residence also come to help during the day, the evening and the night. They express their support, give comfort and compassion to those affected by an illness.
In the time of Jesus, there was a hostel where Samaritans could take those they cared for without taking into account who they were or where they came from (Luke 10:33-35). Today, there is a hostel where Providence gathers people from all parts of the country, from the Americas and even from overseas. Today, any Sister of Providence living on Salaberry Street can become a hostess “with an attentive heart”, in a house that shelters the Providence Hôtellerie, a work in harmony with the charism of the Congregation.
For more information
Sr. Murielle Cholette, coordinator of Providence Hôtellerie Tel.: (514) 337-0611
