'We're seeing over 30 refusals every day': Montreal shelters struggling with winter weather underway

With winter underway, women's homeless shelter Chez Doris has announced it will resume its 24/7 service and raise funds for a new day shelter at the historic Fulford building.

However, many advocates say there continues to be a lack of funding and shelters in Montreal.  

"In this time of the year, in the middle of the winter with cold outside, we are very proud to be back for 24 hours a day," said the executive director of Chez Doris, Diane Pilote.

Pilote said the night shelter currently has 24 beds, with plans to add 10 more during the winter months. She added that the remainder of the space will be used to set up overnight seating areas.

"it's not enough. We need more room for sure. But to have room… It's not only about room for people. It's about being able to accompany our customers when they are there," she said.

Chez Doris is not alone. Cap St-Barnabe on Hochelaga Street is operating at max capacity with 195 beds. Site coordinator Jennifer Fakhouri says they are always turning people away.

"Especially now with winter coming and the cold starting, the storms, we're seeing over 30 refusals every day, every night, overnight also," Fakhouri said.

The community organization opened an emergency winter service. It is only able to offer 30 of these chairs for people to sleep on overnight.

"In an ideal world, we would definitely want to open up more beds. But with the funding we received, we were able to provide 30 chairs — foldable or metal chairs," she said.

When asked about the availability of shelter space in the winter, the City of Montreal said, "Montreal is ready for extreme cold. Several locations have been identified by the city to open warming stations."

However, the city added that it is still waiting for money from the Quebec government.

Quebec's social services minister did not reply to CTV News Montreal's request for comment by deadline.

Advocates say they hope extra money is given so no one is looking for a place to rest is sent back into the cold.