Who We Are
Logifem provides housing and support to women, with or without children, in Montréal who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of it. Our vision is to create lasting conditions that allow women to rebuild their lives and regain their sense of agency.
Logifem offers several types of housing:
temporary shelter houses, accommodating up to 28 women and children for stays of up to 12 months;
transitional apartments for women engaged in social reintegration projects, with stays of up to 36 months;
permanent apartments for single mothers and women living alone.
While housing provides an essential foundation, moving toward stability and independence continues beyond a roof over one’s head. That’s why Logifem also offers complementary services and programs—individual and clinical support, cultural mediation, the Children and Empowerment for Moms Club, and more—creating the conditions necessary for long-term residential stability.
Our Commitment
Being a pathway towards stability for women, with or without children, experiencing homelessness or at risk of it.
Logifem provides a safe home and compassionate support, acting as a true pathway towards a healthy, stable, and autonomous life.
Our Mission
We accompany women at every stage of their journey, offering comprehensive, personalized support through an integrated continuum of services: safe housing, psychosocial support, access to material and human resources, social housing, and ongoing follow-up during their stay.
Logifem is more than housing—it is a human presence, concrete support, and a structured pathway designed to help women regain autonomy at their own pace and according to their unique realities.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every woman, without exception, is free from homelessness and can rebuild her life safely, with dignity, and on her own terms.
A world where women have access to the resources, support, and space they need to regain control over their lives and look toward the future with confidence.
Our Values
Our work is guided by strong values that inform every intervention:
Respect
Welcoming every woman without judgment, with empathy and kindness.
Safety
Providing environments designed for respite, protection, and stability.
Empowerment
Encouraging women to take back control of their lives, with Logifem serving as a true pathway in their journey of rebuilding.
Inclusivity
Offering human-centered, practical services tailored to diverse experiences and realities.
Solidarity
Believing in the power of connections, mutual support, and community.
Social Transformation
Pursuing lasting social impact, including through the development of social housing that fosters reconstruction and autonomy.
Our History
1988
The Birth of Logifem: Responding to a Social Urgency
Since 1988, Logifem has been providing housing and support services to women in need in Montréal.
The organization was founded by Irvine Benoy and a group of collaborators from Saint Joseph Anglican Church in Brossard, responding to the pressing needs of women experiencing homelessness in Montréal. The idea began to take shape in 1987, and Logifem welcomed its first resident in December 1988.
1993
Moving Toward Greater Autonomy: Transitional Apartments
In 1993, Logifem expanded its services by adding transitional apartments. This allowed women to live in settings offering more autonomy while still receiving ongoing support toward long-term stability.
2013
Providing Safe Spaces for Women
Initially, the shelter was organized with multiple dormitories to maximize space. Over time, Logifem recognized that this layout could increase stress for women in crisis. Renovations were carried out to provide private rooms for each resident, creating a safer and more respectful environment.
2015
Better Supporting Mothers and Children
Recognizing the lack of services in Montréal for women experiencing homelessness with children, Logifem strengthened its family-focused offerings. This included renovating larger rooms, adding a playroom, and hiring specialized staff.
2021
Opening of La Lumineuse
In December 2021, Logifem inaugurated La Lumineuse, a shelter designed specifically for families and their unique needs.
2024
Promoting Long-Term Stability: Permanent Housing
In 2024, Logifem launched its first permanent housing program, Les Voisin·es du Canal, extending the organization’s work toward long-term solutions focused on stability, dignity, and autonomy.
Dive deeper into Logifem’s story through an interview with founder Irvine Benoy, reflecting on the origins of the organization.
Our Community Engagement
Logifem actively participates in working groups, strategic committees, and collaborative networks aimed at improving the lives of women experiencing homelessness or at risk of it.
This involvement allows Logifem to:
Contribute to collective reflections on women’s homelessness;
Collaborate with community, institutional, and academic partners;
Participate in the development of coordinated, lasting solutions;
Represent the voices of women and families in decision-making spaces.
Logifem is a member of the following networks and initiatives
South-West–Verdun Mental Health and Addiction Table
Concordia Community Roundtable (CRT)