As Executive Director of the Maison du Père Foundation, Lizette Flores is leading the charge to redefine how Montreal tackles homelessness. Since joining the Foundation in 2023, Flores has focused on strengthening partnerships, amplifying impact, and inspiring long-term community engagement. The Foundation supports innovative, compassionate solutions — from specialized health services to senior housing and prevention programs that address the root causes of homelessness.
Who is answering the questions and what is their position?
Lizette Flores, Executive Director, Maison du Père Foundation
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
At the Maison du Père Foundation, we innovate to find durable and compassionate solutions to homelessness. We support initiatives that provide access to specialized health services, senior housing, and prevention programs that address the root causes of homelessness. Our mission is to fill the gaps in the system, promote equality, and ensure that every person in need is treated with respect and opportunity.
What problem does it aim to solve?
We aim to tackle homelessness at its source. The Foundation mobilizes the public, the private sector, and community leaders to invest in solution-driven initiatives that create measurable and lasting impact. We focus on funding programs that can be scaled and sustained, turning innovative ideas into permanent change.
When did you start/join it?
I joined the Foundation in 2023.
What made you want to get involved?
The mission. Homelessness is one of the most pressing social issues of our time, and the Maison du Père Foundation offers one of the most impact-driven approaches to addressing it. I wanted to contribute my energy and leadership to a cause that not only transforms individual lives but also helps reshape how society responds to vulnerability and exclusion.
What was the situation like when you started?
Maison du Père was already a well-established organization, highly respected in Montreal for its quality programs and commitment to the homeless community. When I joined the Foundation, the foundation was solid — what we needed was to amplify our message, communicate our impact more effectively, and inspire people to see social investment as a meaningful and rewarding way to contribute to their community.
How has it changed since?
We now have a strong, dedicated team that works daily to build bridges between the public, donors, and corporate partners. Together, we are fostering collaboration, measuring impact, and supporting data-driven initiatives that can be sustained and even adopted by the public sector. The sense of momentum and shared purpose has never been stronger.
What more needs to be done?
We need to keep people engaged for the long term. Launching impactful projects is exciting — but true transformation comes from consistency, patience, and lasting commitment. Building a future where homelessness is preventable requires all of us to stay invested, to keep believing, and to keep showing up.
How can our readers help?
Talk about homelessness in ways that inspire curiosity and compassion.
Get involved — volunteer, organize a fundraiser, or become a monthly donor. Even a $20 monthly contribution helps us plan ahead and give stability to our programs.
Every action counts, and together, we can create a movement that changes lives.
Do you have any events coming up?
Yes! This fall, we’re launching “Wear Your Yellow Toque”, our awareness and fundraising campaign.
By purchasing and wearing the iconic yellow toque, you’ll be helping fund our programs and bringing visibility to homelessness and its solutions.
Post a picture with your toque, tag us, and share your support on social media — especially on Giving Tuesday, December 2nd.
Join the movement, start the conversation, and wear your impact proudly!
Where can we follow you?
Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
Opération Père Noël — a beautiful local initiative that brings joy to children in need during the holiday season.
