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Community Resources

There are many resources available within the Cowichan Region to assist those in need. This is a basic list of key resources available. Please note we try to update this page as frequently as possible. Services below may vary based on funding and program guidelines - please inquire within to ensure services are available.

 

For a more thorough guide to resources and services for people living on the street or those facing housing loss, check out the Duncan Street Survival Guide here.

Shelters and Transition Houses

Warmland Shelter

Designed to be a gateway to stable housing and integrated, client focused support services to adult (19+) men and women who are coping with a variety of challenges.

Somenos House

Somenos House provides free and confidential emergency short-term shelter and support for women (with or without children) needing safety from violence and abuse.

Cedar Branches Women's Shelter

A low-barrier, wet, 19+ shelter that operates 24/7 with a 20-24 person capacity. It offers laundry services, shower facilities, meals, basic supports, and referrals to other services as needed.

"A Place to Be"

A daytime warming/cooling space for unhoused folks with access to washrooms, meals, laundry passes, internet, and additional supplies such as toiletries.

Open every day 8:30am - 4:30pm at 5810 Garden St.

Food Resources 

For a more extensive list of food resources in the Cowichan Region, click here.

Duncan Food Bank
(Cowichan Valley Basket Society)

Offering meals and snacks daily from their kitchen program as well as food hampers individuals and families.

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reFresh Cowichan with Cowichan Green Community

A dignified and inclusive grocery store offering affordable fresh produce, pantry staples, organic dairy products, as well as a line of homemade frozen meals, soups and desserts.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army offers emergency food programs, hampers, and street packs with non-perishable food items. ​

Good Food Box

The monthly Good Food Box program is dedicated to feeding the community fresh fruits and vegetables at an affordable price. 

Nourish Cowichan's
Starfish Backpack Program

Starfish provides packs of two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners, and snacks to hungry students each weekend of the school year.

Hiiye'yu Lelum's Breakfast Program

This service is for Indigenous community members in need. Coffee & Muffins Monday-Friday 6am-9am. Some other services may be available.​

Free Community Dinners/Meals

Duncan United Church
Hot supper at 5pm Monday Wednesday and Friday and 3rd Sunday of the month.
246 Ingram St.
Knights of Columbus 
BBQ lunch 2nd Sunday of the month at Warmland Shelter 
2579 Lewis St.
Christian Reformed Church
Hot supper last Saturday of the month (except July) at 5pm
930 Trunk Rd.
Cowichan Valley Basket Society
Coffee, tea, & snacks Monday-Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm and Saturday 8:30am - 3:30pm
Hot or bagged lunches Monday-Saturday 11am-3pm
Sunday Sandwiches (and stat holidays) 12-1pm
5810 Garden St.

Mental Health Resources

Canadian Mental Health Association
Cowichan Branch

Offer variety of mental health programs for youth and adults.

 

554 Trunk Road

250-597-1372

Counselling, programs, and advocacy for women (including trans individuals) and children.

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246 Evans St. Duncan

250-748-7000

Cowichan Women Against Violence Society 
 

Free counselling services and supports for children 13-18yrs and their families.

 

294 Coronation Avenue, Duncan 

250-748-0232

Cowichan Valley Youth Services

 

BC Housing Programs

The Rental Assistance Program provides low-income families with monthly assistance to help meet monthly rent payments.

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To see if you may be eligible visit their website below.

Rental Assistance Program (RAP)
 

The Shelter Aid for Elder Renters offers low income seniors a rent subsidy for those 60yr+

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To see if you may be eligible visit their website below.

Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER)
 

BC Housing offers subsidized and supportive housing options for low income individuals and families.

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For more information and to apply, visit the website below.

BC Housing Registry

 

Resources for Peoples with Disabilities

Cowichan Independent Living provides services to anyone living with disabilities in our community. Services include: information & referrals, peer support, application form support, and further resources.

Cowichan Independent Living
 

Providing post-rehabilitation and community-based peer support for connection and to improve one's health and wellness through empowerment and advocacy.

Cowichan Brain Injury Society
 

Supporting individuals, with all disabilities, to live with dignity, independence, and as equal and full participants in the community. Offers direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research, and publications.

Disability Alliance BC

 

Resources for Seniors

Seniors Advocate of BC
 

Information and referrals for seniors and their care givers including housing, health care, income, and other resources.

Seniors Services Society of BC provides older adults 60+ with information and guidance on housing and support program options to enhance their lives and help them live comfortably and safely in their homes.

Seniors Services Society of BC
 

Information, advocacy & support for BC seniors and care givers who are dealing with issues effecting their well-being.

Seniors First BC

 

For another extensive resource directory, visit pathwaysBC.ca

Happipad Room Share

Happipad is about matching two compatible people – a host and a renter – into a mutually beneficial living arrangement. The host gains a happy face around the house, a helping hand, and some extra cash. The renter is given affordable, comfortable housing with a like-minded roommate.

We acknowledge that we work within the traditional unceded territories of the Quw’utsun, Malahat, Ts’uubaa-asatx, Halalt, Penelakut, Stz’uminus, Lyackson, Pauquachin, Ditidaht, and Pacheedaht Peoples. They have been custodians of the land since time immemorial. We would like to pay our respect to the Elders and knowledge keepers, both past and present. We are grateful to live and work on these territories. We also affirm that colonialism, and the attitudes and practices that have accompanied it, contributes to the continued systemic discrimination and violence against Indigenous Peoples.

If you would like to learn more about Indigenous territories, languages, arts, and heritage, visit: https://maps.fpcc.ca/languages

© 2025 Cowichan Housing Association

We are grateful to the following organizations for their ongoing support: 

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