A safe haven for women and children.
Since its opening in 2004, Athena’s House has provided free, confidential services to women and their children who are experiencing conjugal or family violence. Our shelter offers emergency housing in a secure, respectful, and empowering environment, where residents can begin to heal and plan for a safer, independent future.
About Athena's House
Each year, up to 150 women and children benefit from the services provided at Athena’s House. With the support of our community and donors, we have doubled our capacity—we now accommodate 17-24 residents at a time, and the shelter is currently operating at full capacity.
Open 24/7
Our shelter is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing immediate safety and support whenever needed.
Up to 2 Months Stay
17 Languages
Shelter services and support
Athena’s House provides a range of specialized services to support women and children during their stay. Our comprehensive approach addresses immediate needs while helping residents build skills for independent living.
Specialized Services
- Individual and family counselling
- Support for both women and children
- Accompaniments and advocacy
- Art therapy
- Support groups
- Legal information clinics
- Housing referral services
Information Sessions & Workshops
- Family violence awareness and education
- The legal system and police procedures
- Parenting skills and support
- Community resources and available support services
Culturally and Linguistically Inclusive
We are proud to offer services in 17 different languages, provided by a team of trained professionals, social workers, and cultural interpreters. Our approach is culturally sensitive and tailored to the diverse backgrounds of the individuals we serve.
Respect for All Beliefs and Needs
Athena’s House is non-denominational. We respect the religious practices and dietary needs of all residents, within the limits of reasonable accommodation. Prepared balanced and nutritious meals that follow Canada’s Food Guide are available.
Activities for children
Athena’s House provides a range of specialized services to support women and children during their stay. Our comprehensive approach addresses immediate needs while helping residents build skills for independent living.
Family Sessions
These aid the mother and her child or children gain more insight into what they have both experienced at home, building stronger bonds and understanding.
Drama Play
Drama play is a powerful tool for helping children cope with different issues and to teach, explore and express certain emotions in a safe environment.
Art Therapy
This helps children explore and express their emotions and feelings on paper by creating, coloring and/or drawing in a supportive therapeutic setting.
Children's Art Therapy Showcase
Expressing emotions through creative expression
Artwork by an 11-year-old resident
This drawing was created by an 11-year-old child. She explained that when her father became angry at her and her brother, he became a monster and that he was no longer her father. He would become this large, evil, snake-like monster she had once seen in a scary movie, and she dreamt that this monster would chase her to try to eat her.
This became so fearful for this child that she would often refuse to go to sleep even while residing at the shelter. She also talked about how she felt like she was a prisoner in her home. While if she looked outside her window, she could see the other children playing and having fun and she wondered why she could not be one of those children.
Our shelter is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing immediate safety and support whenever needed.
Dr. Emily Richardson
Art Therapist at Athena's House
Support Beyond Shelter
Athena’s House is equipped to accommodate young children, ensuring that mothers and their children can remain together in a safe environment. After their stay, families can continue to access follow-up services through our offices in Montreal and Laval, helping them maintain the progress they’ve made and transition into the next phase of their lives.
Montreal Office
- Individual counseling sessions
- Housing assistance programs
- Employment support services
- Weekly support groups
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: (514) 274-8117
Laval Office
- Family therapy sessions
- Children's continued art therapy
- Legal advocacy services
- Monthly community events
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: (450) 688-6584
For safety reasons, our shelter address is confidential. Please contact our helpline for assistance.
Need Immediate Help?
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, please don’t hesitate to reach out.