What Is the CHSSN Map App, and Why Should Your Organization Join It?

Across Quebec, community organizations are doing critical work, often quietly, and often without a clear way to find or support each other. The CHSSN Map App was created to change that.

This free, interactive tool helps organizations serving vulnerable and underserved populations see who is offering what, where, and to whom. It brings together service provider profiles, demographic data, and regional filters into one accessible map. The result is a shared resource that helps everyone, from frontline workers to funders, make better, faster, more informed decisions.

If you’ve been invited to join the app, here’s what you need to know.

What is the CHSSN Map App?

The CHSSN Map App is a digital tool designed to help health and social service organizations in Quebec:

• Understand the landscape of community-based services
• Identify gaps and overlaps in programming
• Discover opportunities for partnership or referral
• Access up-to-date demographic information
• Support planning, outreach, and funding strategies

At its core, the app is a collaborative directory. Each organization provides its own information about what services it offers, where, how, and in what languages. That data is then layered onto a map of Quebec that users can filter and explore by region, population, service type, and more.

Who is the app for?

The app is intended for any organization that serves vulnerable or underserved populations in Quebec. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Community health centres
• Mental health and wellness organizations
• Youth and family service agencies
• Seniors’ groups and caregiver support programs
• Newcomer and language-access services
• Food security and housing supports
• Outreach teams, advocacy groups, and peer networks
• Regional roundtables and planning committees

Whether your organization works in one borough or across the province, if your services help meet local needs, you belong on the map.

What are the benefits of joining?

When you add your organization to the CHSSN Map App, you contribute to a collective resource that helps everyone serve their communities more effectively.

1. Increased visibility

Get discovered by other organizations who are searching by region, population, or service. Many groups use the app to find partners, referrals, or collaborators.

2. Better planning data

Access demographic overlays based on the 2021 Census. These include population size, income levels, education, immigration status, and language. Use this data to shape programs, apply for funding, or identify outreach opportunities.

3. Stronger networks

The map shows who is doing similar or complementary work in your area. You may find new organizations to connect with, collaborate with, or learn from.

4. Referrals and roundtables

Many users rely on the map to refer clients or join working groups. If you are not listed, you may be missing out on invitations to the partnerships that shape regional decisions.

5. Control over your data

Your team manages your own listing. You can update services, locations, and contact info at any time, so others always have accurate information about what you offer.

Why is participation by invitation?

To keep the data accurate and the platform useful, participation is based on verified organizational information. Every new listing begins with a short intake survey that is reviewed by the CHSSN Map App team. This ensures that the map reflects real, active service providers across the province.

Once your organization is added, you can invite colleagues to join, assign team roles, and keep your information up to date.

How to join

Joining the map is free, simple, and takes less than ten minutes.

1. Fill out the intake survey
   Provide some basic information about your organization, including services, regions served, and contact details:
   Start the survey here →
2. Wait for verification
   A member of the CHSSN Map App team will review your submission, add your profile, and send you login access.
3. Invite your team
   Once inside, Managers can add Users, assign permissions, and manage updates.

What makes this different from other tools?

This app is not just a searchable list. It is a community-built, living map that reflects what is really happening on the ground. It helps you:

• See where services cluster, and where they are missing
• Understand who is being reached, and who is not
• Find small organizations doing essential work that may not appear in a Google search
• Share your work in a trusted, sector-specific space

The platform continues to grow, with new features rolling out based on user needs. Recent additions include mental health overlays, AI-powered support, and province-wide service filters.

Help build the bigger picture

Your work matters, and so does your presence on the map. By joining, you are not just promoting your own services. You are helping others see what is possible, what is missing, and where care can go next.