Montreal · West Island

Building pathways from crisis to independence.

WOW Plus provides integrated transitional housing, support services, and social enterprise opportunities that help individuals and families rebuild their lives in Montreal's West Island.

Headquarters

West Island, Montreal

Phase One

40 transitional beds

Phase Two

100-bed capacity

Model

Trauma-informed, person-centred

Who we are

Serious work, done with dignity.

WOW Plus is a non-profit organization based in Montreal's West Island. We combine transitional housing with coordinated support services and a working social enterprise — so residents don't just find shelter, they find a pathway forward.

DignityOpportunityCollaborationAccountabilityInnovationCommunity

Mission

To provide integrated transitional housing, support services, education, employment readiness, community engagement, and social enterprise opportunities that empower individuals and families to overcome barriers, build independence, and achieve long-term stability through coordinated, trauma-informed, person-centred services.

Vision

Communities where every individual and family has the opportunity to rebuild, belong, and thrive.

A bright, welcoming community room
Who we serve

Neighbours facing barriers — met with opportunity.

Our residents come from many circumstances. What they share is a moment of transition, and the desire to build something stable. We meet each person with dignity, coordinated care, and a clear path forward.

  • Refugees & asylum seekers
  • Individuals experiencing homelessness
  • Families in crisis
  • Single parents
  • Survivors of domestic violence
  • Seniors
  • Youth transitioning to independence
  • Other vulnerable individuals
Our Programs

A coordinated, wraparound model.

Housing on its own isn't enough. Our programs work together so that every resident has the support, skills, and community to move forward — at their own pace.

Transitional Housing

Stable, dignified housing that gives residents the foundation to plan next steps.

Resident Success Coaching

One-to-one coaching to set goals, navigate services, and build momentum.

Clinical & Wellness Supports

Trauma-informed clinical care coordinated with community health partners.

Employment Readiness

Skills training, resume support, and workplace experience toward sustainable income.

Financial Literacy

Practical money skills — budgeting, banking, credit — for long-term stability.

Life Skills Development

Everyday skills that support independence and confident household management.

Parenting & Family Supports

Guidance and community that strengthens families through transition.

Children's Programming

Safe, enriching activities so kids can play, learn, and heal alongside their families.

Resident Engagement (REPO)

Resident-led operations and engagement programming across the community.

Food Security

Reliable access to healthy food through partnerships and on-site programs.

Volunteer Program

Meaningful roles for volunteers who want to give time, skills, and mentorship.

Community Partnerships

Coordinated referrals with West Island service providers and specialists.

The Resident Journey

From intake to independence.

Every journey is personal. Our structured path gives residents a predictable arc while remaining flexible to individual needs.

  1. 01

    Crisis Intake

    A safe, respectful entry point with immediate stabilization support.

  2. 02

    Stabilization

    Housing, clinical care, and case coordination establish a stable footing.

  3. 03

    Skill-Building & Coaching

    Personal goals, financial literacy, and life skills advance in parallel.

  4. 04

    Employment & Independence

    Workplace experience — including at Garage-A-Rama — builds income and confidence.

  5. 05

    Transition to Permanent Housing

    A supported handoff into stable, long-term housing in the community.

Hands working together in a community workshop
Social Enterprise

Garage-A-Rama.

More than a shelter. A place to build skills, income, and pride.

Garage-A-Rama is the flagship social enterprise of WOW Plus. It generates earned revenue, offers real workplace experience, and strengthens community engagement — while promoting environmental sustainability through reuse and recycling. Residents who choose to participate gain hands-on employment skills in a supportive environment, and directly contribute to the organization's long-term sustainability.

Job training & workplace experience
Earned revenue for sustainability
Reuse, repair, and recycling
Volunteer opportunities
Why the West Island · Why now

A growing need. A model that fits.

Greater Montreal's West Island faces a growing, under-served need for coordinated transitional housing. Emergency shelters do vital work — but on their own they can't close the gap between crisis and lasting stability.

WOW Plus was built to close that gap. By combining housing with wraparound services and a working social enterprise, we give residents the time, tools, and community to make lasting change — right in the neighbourhoods they call home.

Impact & Accountability

Measured. Reviewed. Reported.

We are committed to measurable outcomes — reviewed regularly and reported to funders, donors, and the community. Our work is grounded in transparent financial stewardship.

Financial stewardship

Diversified funding, board-approved budgets, annual independent audits, and transparent reporting to our community and partners.

Get Involved

Partner with us.

Whether you're a funder, an organization, or a neighbour — there's a meaningful way to help build this together.

Government Partners

Support accountable, sustainable solutions that strengthen the continuum of care.

Discuss a partnership

Foundations

Invest in measurable programs improving housing stability, employment, and family well-being.

Request our impact brief

Corporate Partners

Sponsorships, employment opportunities, employee volunteerism, and in-kind giving.

Explore corporate giving

Community Organizations

Coordinated services and shared expertise across the West Island network.

Coordinate services

Volunteers

Share your time and skills with residents, programs, and Garage-A-Rama.

Volunteer with us

Individual Donors

Every contribution helps provide housing, programs, and renewed hope.

Make a gift
Capital Campaign

What it takes to launch.

Year One requires approximately $11.1M CAD — a one-time capital investment (property acquisition and renovation), first-year operating costs, and a dedicated Resident Assistance & Housing Stability Fund.

$11.1M

Year One funding requirement (CAD)


  • One-time capital investment
  • First-year operating costs
  • Resident Assistance & Housing Stability Fund
Contact

Let's build this together.

Reach out about partnership, volunteering, media, or referrals. A member of our team will respond within two business days.