Our History
Discover how our roots have grown, and the vibrant tapestry of community spirit that defines our journey
1955
Our Journey Begins...
Born in Canberbury, England, Dennis Hadley emigrated to Canada in 1954 where he had become a Roman Catholic. He was married and had one daughter and two grandchildren. During the first years of their marriage, Dennis and Lucille Hadley chose to live among the poor in the Griffintown area of Montreal. They cared for about 300 families and, with the help of their friends and students, served a meal to the homeless on weekends. The Hadley’s also inaugurated half-way houses for the rehabilitation of alcoholics.
1964-1974
Resilience & Revival
Due to failing health and financial reasons, the Hadley’s had to discontinue their good works in 1964. Ten years later, Nazareth House, the name bestowed by the Hadley’s on their work, was re-established on Saint Paul Street and its first activity was to provide a decent funeral for a man who had died alone and abandoned. Burying the abandoned dead would always remain a top priority at Nazareth House.
1982
Nazareth House
In 1979, Nazareth House relocated to the West Central district of Montreal, its current and enduring home. In the vicinity of Seymour Avenue, elderly individuals from diverse nationalities received ongoing support while residing in apartments. These residents came together for communal meals and various services, actively contributing to the formation and enrichment of the Nazareth Community.
1986
Our Journey Continues...
Dennis Hadley (Center) eats dinner with the people who used his services. He chats with Fred (Left) and Richard (Right).
1998
Father John Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament
The Father John Walsh Celebrity Golf Tournament began as a light-hearted suggestion during a lunch between Father John Walsh and Dick Shea, President of the Board at Nazareth House. In response to a modest fundraising need, the idea of a celebrity golf tournament was proposed and quickly put into motion. A date was secured at Lafleur Golf Course in Kahnawake, with Pierre McGuire of CJAD joining as the first celebrity guest. Since then, the tournament has grown into a successful annual event, raising $600,000 by 2019 for Nazareth House residents.
2006
Navigating Change
“Life at the house has changed a little. The hospice for the elderly has not received any new residents and at the moment John, at 92 years old, is the only resident. I find it hard to believe that there is a shortage of elderly persons who require assisted living, but it seems to be that way. We should consider closing the house, but John has been with us for 20 years and we feel we have an obligation to him and moving him to another establishment may well be detrimental to his health”
Dennis Hadley
2011
Passing the Torch
In 2011, after a long and difficult search, Nazareth Community welcomed their new Executive Director, Sheila Woodhouse (left). She remains the Executive Director to this day.
2015
Anne's House
In 2014, a board meeting took place with Sheila Woodhouse, the Executive Director of Nazareth House, and Robin Burns among the attendees. During the meeting, Robin Burns proposed the idea of establishing a residence for women. One year later, in 2015, Anne’s House was inaugurated, providing a haven for women grappling with mental health challenges, addiction, and homelessness. The residence is dedicated to Anne Burns, Robin’s sister, a nurse who faced her own battles with mental health issues.
2020
John's House
John’s House, named in honor of Father John Walsh, opened its doors in 2020. Tragically, Father John passed away three weeks after its inauguration. Located at 1222 Seymour Ave, John’s House offers 11 private rooms in a newly renovated building for men aged 20-35.
2023
New Brand, Same Mission
Nazareth’s compassionate roots now blossom in the Hadley Community, symbolizing a harmonious union of tradition and progress. Join us in weaving the tapestry of history into a contemporary narrative, as the Hadley Community embraces innovation while staying rooted in the spirit that has defined the organization for decades.
2024
Seymour House
Seymour House, our newest addition, is a newly renovated home for young people, connecting to John’s House. We are excited to see our impact grow, with applications now coming from individuals all over Quebec, not just Montreal. This province-wide interest highlights the widespread recognition and success of our mission to support and empower those facing homelessness, mental health challenges, addiction, and trauma.
"Nazareth House in so many ways is the discovery of the hidden lives of our residents. People with mental illness are often shunted aside as if they are no longer alive. They live hidden lives in isolation, withdrawing from the world, and at Nazareth House they are offered lives that again have meaning and acceptance."