Housing shortages, substance use and increasing mental health issues impact every citizen and business in the region. The Access Health Centre is addressing these issues by delivering one-stop comprehensive services to the Capital Region's most impoverished citizens. Access is a partnership between AIDS Vancouver Island and the Victoria Cool Aid Society. (Photos were taken by Gary Green on December 1, 2009, during the official Grand Opening of Access.)

Every Step Counts is a running program for people experiencing barriers and challenges with housing, mental health, addiction and other related issues. We run, enjoy yoga-based stretches followed by delicious and healthy snacks. Short talks are given on various topics such as hydration, breakfast and ideal running form.

These photographs were taken by professional photographer Gary Green on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at the Cool Aid Culture - Arts Festival & 40th Reunion. Read more about the Arts Festival and the 40th Anniversary celebrations.

Photos taken by homeless persons in Victoria in 2005, from a project to produce the 2006 calendar "Homeless in the Garden City" initiated and sponsored by Leadership Victoria.

A few photos from Cool Aid's 40-year history , 1968-2008 (more photographs to follow).