Sandy Merriman House (SMH) started as an emergency shelter program of the Women’s Shelter Society (WSS) in 1995. The program provides 25 shelter beds for women, meals, basic needs, crisis intervention, counseling, referrals, medication and general support. It is open throughout the day for drop-in services and for shelter stays of up to 30 days.

In 1997, through a community development process, it was decided that SMH should be managed by Cool Aid, which now contracts with the Ministry of Human Resources to operate the shelter and drop-in. The site is owned by the Provincial Rental Housing Corporation and was built and is maintained by BC Housing. Its mortgage is paid by the Ministry of Human Resources. Sandy Merriman House employs one full-time, eight part-time and nine casual workers. Six volunteers also assist with programming.

Layered Emotions Speak Project: Women and Homelessness from Victoria Cool Aid Society on Vimeo.

Clients Served

Sandy Merriman emergency shelter serves women who are homeless, have concurrent disorders, and/or are active in the sex trade. It is unique in that it is not a transition house While it serves clients who are leaving abusive relationships and not using drugs or alcohol Sandy Merriman House also helps many others.

In 2002, SMH’s occupancy rate averaged 95% (to May). It serves 3,768 meals annually and provides services to 4,117 drop-in clients.

Read Mizplaced magazine to learn from the wisdom of the women at Sandy Merriman House. Mizplaced is written and produced by the residents.