People who are homeless often choose to stay in a shelter when beds or mats are available. At Cool Aid shelters we provide meals, counselling, harm reduction, and support to help people find suitable, affordable housing, work and income, health services, and whatever else they need to move forward in their lives.
Shelters are a first step towards permanent housing. In 2018, Cool Aid sheltered 1,550 adults and found permanent homes for 102 of them.
If you would like to make an in-person donation of clothing or supplies, please call the shelter in advance. Learn more about what we need for clients.
Next Steps Transitional Shelter provides a more home-like environment for shelter guests making progress to get their lives back on track. Cool Aid’s staff help tenants find permanent homes and employment, learn financial and life skills, provide mentorship, and provide physical and mental health care.
By working together, we help each tenant find a permanent home, something to do, and connect with peers for ongoing mutual support.
Provides men and women with storage, showers, laundry, computers, meals and rooms for group work, education & counselling. We offer 84 shelter beds + 23 transitional rooms for residents working to be permanently housed.
Clients volunteer with the Neighbourhood Clean Team, Overdose Prevention Unit and Inhalation Tent. The latter two provide safe spaces for people to use illicit substances with referrals, support and overdose response.
If you would like to make an in-person donation to Rock Bay Landing, please book a time in advance by calling 250-383-1951. See the wish list for all sites here.
Check out RBL’s monthly cultural calendar
Sandy Merriman provides emergency shelter for 25 women who are homeless. We welcome people who are transgender and non-binary.
Guests receive safe shelter, meals, laundry & showers, support, referrals and advocacy, plus essentials including menstrual supplies, harm reduction and clothing.
If you would like to donate items to Sandy Merriman House, please note that due to staff shortages and limited space, we are only able to receive donations on Sundays from 2pm-6pm and Wednesdays from 4pm-8pm. We will return to accepting donations on a daily basis in the New Year. Financial donations are happily accepted 24/7 and can be made using our secure online donation form.
If you have questions about the types of donations needed please call 250-480-1408. See the wish list for all sites here.
During the cold, wet and windy winters, additional shelter spaces are needed to ensure people are warm and well fed.
The temporary shelter at Cool Aid’s Downtown Community Centre is operated by Our Place Society from November to March.
Guests have access to a nutritious meal, a place to sleep, and professional staff who provide referrals and connections with community resources.
To inquire about a spot, please drop by Our Place or give them a call or email.
Temporary Evening Shelter
(Nov. to March)
755 Pandora Ave, Victoria
"Cool Aid has come a long way in 50 years, but the need for their services has never been greater. It is only by working together that we may, indeed, put an end to homelessness."
Helen Edwards, Volunteer Historian
