The Victoria Cool Aid Society traces its origins to the Cool Aid Hostel, which was established over 40 years ago, on June 10, 1968, to provide short-term, emergency shelter to transient youth travelling the country. Today, Cool Aid operates a diverse range of social and health services for those in our community who are most vulnerable.

• History
• Mandate and Mission
• Vision
• Guiding Principles
• Annual Reports and Audited Financial Statements
• Strategic Planning
  
• Governance
• Suggestions, Compliments and Complaints  
• News & Information
• Contact Cool Aid

History

Cool Aid is an active participant in a variety of regional, provincial and national networks and organizations which work together to improve services, maximize our effectiveness and influence policy. The Society is governed by an elected, community-based Board of Directors, which employs a comprehensive and open committee structure in order to maximize community input into Cool Aid's various initiatives. Cool Aid has established itself as a "bottom line" resource in the social safety net within the Capital Regional District (CRD).

For information on our specific programs, visit the links at left. A more detailed history of the Victoria Cool Aid Society can also be found online.

Mandate

To provide holistic shelter, housing, and community health services to marginalized adults in the Victoria area.  

Mission

We work to eliminate homelessness by working in partnership with others to develop community-based solutions.  We are committed to working in a non-judgmental way with people who are marginalized, homeless and hard to house. We advocate for and provide emergency shelter, supportive housing and integrated health care services to marginalized adults in the Victoria area.

This story provided courtesy of Shaw TV Victoria:

Mission of the Victoria Cool Aid Society from Victoria Cool Aid Society on Vimeo.

Vision

• No one is forced to sleep on the street or go hungry.  
• Everyone who needs supportive housing is getting it.
• Integrated health care service to treat illness and promote wellness is provided.
• Integrated services are provided to those with mental health and addiction issues.

Guiding Principles

• We demonstrate reliability, good faith and integrity in all our relationships
• We foster a workplace culture that embraces innovation, teamwork, leadership and knowledge sharing.
  
• We make and keep our commitments.
  
• We are accountable for our actions and measure and share our contribution to the community.
  
• We appreciate and acknowledge the contributions of our employees, volunteers, donors and partners.
  
• We support and value participation, build partnerships, and encourage shared leadership in our community.
  
• We treat all people with respect, dignity and fairness.
  
• We look at the environment through the eyes of our clients.
  
• We are innovative, learn from our experiences and the input of others, and make effective change.
• We are action oriented and advocate for those we serve.
• We are committed to promoting fairness and equity within our organization.
  

Suggestions, Compliments and Complaints

1. Ideally, if you have a suggestion, compliment or complaint, we recommend that you contact the program or department directly.
2. The Suggestion, Compliment and Complaint Form is available online and at all our program and service locations.
3. Form can be completed (or details written on plain paper) and be dropped off at any of our locations, including Central Service Office at #102, 749 Pandora Avenue.
4. Suggestions, compliments and complaints can also be sent via webmail .
5. Every effort is made to acknowledge receipt of the form within a reasonable period of time.
6. All suggestions, compliments and complaints are reviewed and responded to in compliance with Cool Aid Policy and Privacy Legislation.