February 3rd, 2021
Temporary Housing for Women: The Maria Goretti Residence
Since 1953, the Maria-Goretti residence has provided affordable short-term and long-term housing for women from all over the world. Just a stone’s throw from many services and amenities, the residence comprises 200 rooms intended for longer-term stays and 20 rooms for overnight stays.
Living at the residence
We offer three different lodging options:
- Residence stay: minimum of 3 months | preferential rates (starting at $405/month) | designed for women ages 18 to 45
- Transit stay: minimum of 3 months | affordable rooms (starting at $510/month) | designed for women age 45 and up
- Hotel stay: short-term stay of a few days maximum | due to the evolving public health situation in Quebec, we recommend verifying whether this service is currently available before you book
These accommodations serve as a springboard for residents to begin their studies, get settled upon immigrating, or simply have a safe, affordable, and dependable place to live. With a number of public transit options and bike paths nearby, our residence is the perfect place for discovering the city, finding your bearings, and taking your time to get comfortable in your new home!
One of Maria-Goretti’s many advantages is that residents also have access to other PROMIS services, including employment assistance, French courses, and welcome and integration services.
Services and accommodations
Depending on your budget, different types of accommodations are available. You can choose between a standard or large room with shared washrooms.
To ensure residents have easy access to everything they need, each room is equipped and furnished with the following:
- Single bed
- Desk
- Dresser
- Sink
- Refrigerator
- 1 or 2 closets
- Heating/electricity/hot water
- Phone with voicemail
- Wired internet
The residence also provides access to* the following:
- Shared kitchen with dining area
- Microwaves and toasters
- Washrooms and showers
- Common room with a TV
- Study room with WiFi
- Washing machines on every floor (additional cost)
- Elevator
- Gym
*Access to certain common areas may be subject to change according to the health regulations put in place by the government of Quebec.
The reception is open 24 hours a day: we provide complete and total security for our residents thanks to full-time surveillance.
“Cleanliness, kindness, quiet, safety, and comfort await you in a peaceful, relaxing environment. This was my first stay but certainly not my last.”
– Céline, Norway, Avis Booking
The residence: a social springboard
Living at the residence is also an opportunity to meet women from all walks of life! Normally, we organize activities like outings, movie nights, and board games to help people get to know each other, but the current health situation has put those things on hold for now.
The common room is also a great meet-up area for anyone who wants to get together, have a chat, or share your favourite spots around the city!
Our history
In the late 1930s, Montreal experienced an industrial boom, and young women left the countryside in order to get jobs in the city. Far from home and their loved ones, many of them ended up in vulnerable – and sometimes abusive – situations.
Faced with this social phenomenon, Father Alfred-Laplante opened the first women-only lodging service in 1945, for residents ages 18 to 28. They were welcomed without prejudice, regardless of their background or religion, into this safe space where they could comfortably live their lives. The residence quickly filled to capacity, and it’s been expanding ever since.
And so, the Fathers of Sainte-Croix founded the Maria-Goretti Centre in 1953, equipped with 175 rooms.
In 2004, PROMIS stepped in to continue their legacy, while consolidating its services under the same umbrella.
While the residence started out with a mostly French-speaking population, it now welcomes women from over 40 different countries every single year!
Want to plan your stay?