Refuge Mitshuap Montréal

Emergency overnight shelter service for people experiencing homelessness.

Our mission

Refuge Mitshuap Montréal is an overnight emergency shelter where individuals experiencing homelessness are welcomed safely and in a culturally appropriate setting. Managed by Indigenous leadership, Refuge Mitshuap (meaning “house” in Innu-aimun) accommodates up to 51 people per night, providing them with a safe roof, a hot meal, and a listening ear. Clothing and basic first aid supplies are also available on-site, with special attention given to the safety of women, who are housed together in a separate area.

Our services

Refuge Mitshuap is an overnight emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness.

We are open 7 days a week, from 8:00 PM to 7:00 AM (overnight hours).

Hot meals – Traditional food when available
45 beds and 6 lounge chairs available, for a total of 51 spaces
Support staff providing assistance, a listening ear, and referrals as needed
A dedicated safe section for women
Harm reduction supplies and naloxone kits
Clothing
First aid services and supplies

Check-in takes place between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM each evening, and spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Executive Management

Alexandra Ambroise

Alexandra Ambroise, an Innu from Uashat mak Mani-utenam, is a dedicated leader committed to social reintegration and community development. As the Executive Director of Refuge Mitshuap, she plays a key role in implementing sustainable solutions to support individuals experiencing homelessness and address social issues affecting the most vulnerable.

Passionate about inclusion and the well-being of Indigenous Peoples, Alexandra strives to make Refuge Mitshuap a safe and respectful space where everyone can regain hope and dignity. Her leadership and dedication help strengthen the shelter’s services and initiatives, creating a tangible and positive impact within the community.

Board of Directors

Nadia Robertson
Membre

Nadia Robertson, membre de la Nation Micmac de Gespeg, est pleinement dévouée au service des communautés autochtones, apportant une riche expérience en leadership et en développement communautaire. Siégeant au conseil d’administration du Refuge Mitshuap depuis sa fondation, en plus d’assumer ses fonctions actuelles de gestionnaire au sein de l’Autorité financière des Premières Nations, Elle s’implique activement dans sa communauté, et dans la lutte contre le fléau de la violence latérale. Elle envisage le refuge comme un lieu où les individus peuvent reconstruire leur confiance et retrouver un sentiment de sécurité.

Innu Utshimau
Jean-Charles Piétacho
President

Chef respecté de la communauté Innue de Ekuanitshit depuis plusieurs dizaines d’années, Jean-Charles Piétacho est reconnu pour son engagement indéfectible et a consacré sa carrière à promouvoir la justice sociale, l’éducation et le développement communautaire.

Impliqué au sein du Refuge Mitshuap depuis ses débuts, son profond engagement envers les personnes en situation de vulnérabilité est guidé par des valeurs de solidarité et de respect. Il met à profit son expérience et son leadership pour soutenir des initiatives qui favorisent la dignité des personnes autochtones confrontées à l’itinérance.

Tina Vassiliou
Membre

Originaire de Matimekush-Lac John et membre de la communauté de Uashat mak Mani-utenam, Tina Vassiliou est une leader engagée dans l’épanouissement des communautés autochtones.

En tant que membre du conseil d’administration du Refuge Mitshuap, Tina apporte une perspective riche et une expertise précieuse. Son engagement envers le bien-être communautaire contribue à renforcer les initiatives du refuge, visant à offrir un environnement sécurisant et respectueux aux personnes en situation d’itinérance à Montréal.

Direction générale

Alexandra Ambroise

Alexandra Ambroise, Innue de Uashat mak Mani-utenam, est une leader engagée qui consacre ses efforts à la réinsertion sociale et au développement communautaire. En tant que directrice générale du Refuge Mitshuap, elle joue un rôle clé dans la mise en place de solutions durables pour soutenir les personnes en situation d’itinérance et répondre aux enjeux sociaux qui touchent les plus vulnérables.

Passionnée par l’inclusion et le bien-être des Peuples autochtones, Alexandra œuvre pour faire du Refuge Mitshuap un espace sécurisant et respectueux, où chaque personne peut retrouver espoir et dignité. Son leadership et son dévouement contribuent à renforcer les services et les initiatives du refuge, favorisant ainsi un impact concret et positif au sein de la communauté.

Nadia Robertson
Member

Innu Utshimau
Jean-Charles Piétacho
President

Tina Vassiliou
Member

Nadia Robertson, a member of the Mi’kmaq Nation of Gespeg, is deeply committed to serving Indigenous communities, bringing rich experience in leadership and community development. She has been serving on the board of directors of Refuge Mitshuap since its founding, in addition to her current role as a manager within the First Nations Financial Authority. She is actively involved in her community and in the fight against lateral violence. She envisions the shelter as a place where individuals can rebuild their trust and regain a sense of security.

A respected chief of the Innu community of Ekuanitshit for several decades, Jean-Charles Piétacho is recognized for his unwavering commitment and has dedicated his career to promoting social justice, education, and community development.

Involved with Refuge Mitshuap since its inception, his deep commitment to individuals in vulnerable situations is guided by values of solidarity and respect. He leverages his experience and leadership to support initiatives that promote the dignity of Indigenous people facing homelessness.

Originally from Matimekush-Lac John and a member of the Uashat mak Mani-utenam community, Tina Vassiliou is a dedicated leader in the flourishing of Indigenous communities.

As a member of the board of directors at Refuge Mitshuap, Tina brings a rich perspective and valuable expertise. Her commitment to community well-being helps strengthen the refuge’s initiatives, aiming to provide a safe and respectful environment for individuals facing homelessness in Montreal.

The 2025 Benefit Dinner of Refuge Mitshuap was made possible with the support of:

Communications

Media

Mitshuap, a new shelter managed by and for Indigenous people in Montreal – READ ON CBC/RADIO-CANADA

Fundraising

The Mitshuap Shelter will hold its annual fundraising dinner on March 14, 2025, to raise the necessary funds to sustain its operations.

All information is available HERE.

Press Releases

A Successful Fundraiser for the Refuge Mitshuap Montreal – READ

Make a donation

The Refuge Mitshuap relies on the generosity of its partners and the public to continue its operations.

Make a donation now to support our mission!

Get involved!

The Refuge Mitshuap Montreal is currently looking for the following items and services:

Donations of food
Warm clothing
Blankets
Hygiene supplies
First aid kits

Contact us