MAiDHouse
Creating Space for Dignity at the End of Life
Christmas and New Years are just around the corner!! That means you still have a little time to contribute to our fundraiser for MAiDHouse. All profits from our online store and all upgrades to paid subscriptions for November and December will be donated to MAiDHouse.
MAiDHouse is a first of its kind in Canada and was born out of the need to accommodate those who are eligible for MAiD but cannot have their provision at their current location.
“MAiDHouse is a non-profit organization devoted to providing those eligible to receive medical assistance in dying (MAiD) with a supportive, inclusive and comfortable setting. We are a group of doctors, nurse practitioners, ethicists, advocates and volunteers who believe in choice, tranquility and dignity at the end of life for patients and their families.” - MAiDHouse About Page
MAiDHouse offers a purpose-built, home-like environment where MAiD can be provided. They work in partnership with local MAiD coordination teams and clinicians but are not a healthcare provider themselves, they purely provide the space and support to accommodate MAiD assessments and provisions.
Some people may not want to have their assisted death in their private residence, while those in hospital may not find the clinical setting particularly comforting or peaceful. Others may face housing insecurity and may not have a safe, private, or appropriate place to receive MAiD. MAiDHouse can also be an option for people living or receiving care in faith-based hospices or long-term care facilities, where MAiD is often not permitted.
MAiDHouse Toronto began in 2021, starting in a temporary location and moving to a more permanent locale by 2022. It was the first home-like facility in Canada created solely to provide a supportive setting for MAiD provisions. In March 2025, the second location of MAiDHouse opened in Victoria, BC. Their space can be booked by the MAiD provider, at no cost to the client. The MAiDHouse staff and volunteers will support planning for the day of provision, such as logistics and environment which ensures the clinical team can focus on the healthcare aspects. In addition, they ensure support and bereavement resources are provided to the friends and family of those having MAiD.
MAiDHouse also recognizes the importance of ongoing support and community during the bereavement process. Their resource page includes MAiD journeys, the shared stories of those who have chosen MAiD and the loved ones who supported them. MAiDHouse past events include “Art for the Soul”, “Music for the Soul” and the “Memory Quilt Project”, all designed to encourage support through human connection.
“MAiDHouse is always working to reduce barriers to access, and one of the ways we do that is to ensure we promote and facilitate important end of life discussions. These events have created incredible opportunities for us to have these deep and meaningful conversations in the 5 years since we opened, and we look forward to continuing these conversations into the future”. - Newsletter October 2025
As a non-profit organization, MAiDHouse relies exclusively on the generosity of donors to continue providing this much-needed service and support. For that reason, all new and renewed MAiDinCanada paid subscriptions during the months of November and December will be donated to MAiDHouse, in addition to all profits from our online store.
We have personally witnessed the negative impact when people do not have access to a supportive, non-judgmental space for their MAiD provision, and we want to help ensure MAiDHouse can continue offering these essential spaces to those who need them. As we enter the new year, please also consider donating to MAIDHouse through one-time gifts, memorial or legacy donation, corporate partnership and fundraising events.
For more information about MAiDHouse please see the links below:
Dying with Dignity with Tekla Hendrickson, MAiDHouse Executive Director
Disrupting Death Podcast with Tekla Hendrickson, MAiDHouse Executive Director