What began as a parish initiative in the early 1990s has grown into one of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve’s most vital community organizations. For the month of May, we were proud to support the CAP St-Banarbé, a cause especially meaningful to Me Victoria Lavallée Aubre.
CAP Saint-Barnabé started when members of the Saint-Barnabé Church, concerned about rising poverty and food aid, started a community grocery store selling food at cost and recovering unsellable market items. Beyond food, the CAP offered connection and dignity: community dinners, a welcoming space, and access to local resources.
The CAP also helped pioneer the Christmas Share Store model, where families contribute financially or through volunteering to receive food during the holidays.
As needs changed, the CAP expanded. It opened housing for vulnerable individuals, including Maison L’Espérance, Maison Viau, and Maison Sainte-Catherine, offering temporary shelter and support around the city of Montreal. By 2014, rising homelessness in the neighborhood pushed the CAP to launch a pilot night shelter for men and women, in collaboration with CLSC, Dopamine, Stella, and L’Anonyme.
Today, CAP Saint-Barnabé continues to serve its community with compassion and innovation, staying true to its mission: supporting people in regaining autonomy, stability, and dignity.
We invite you to join Spunt Carin in recognizing and supporting the incredible work of the CAP St-Banarbé.
Support Le CAP St-Banarbé here: https://www.capstbarnabe.org/faire-un-don
