Cowichan Valley Survival Guide

Warmland House 

250-715-1132

2579 Lewis Street, Duncan

Warmland provides 30 emergency shelter beds and has 24 transitional housing units. 

Women’s Safe Housing: Night Shelter / Somenos House 

250-748-8544 – (24 hours a day)

Email: somenos@shaw.ca or cwav@cwav.org

Confidential emergency shelter and support services for women (with or without children) experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or violence. 

Ladysmith Extreme Weather Shelter 

250-245-3079

Nanaimo Crescent House

 250-716-3402 

Provides assisted living (supportive recovery) and crisis stabilization for adults with serious and persistent mental illness, addictions and/or forensic issues. 6 beds. 

Friendship Lelum Aboriginal Youth Safe House 

250-753-8266 

www.tillicumlelum.ca/programs/p16- friendship.html 

Provides short-term shelter for youth who are experiencing stressful experiences and have been identified as “at-risk”. Ages 12- 18. 

Haven House 

250-756-2452 

www.havensociety.com 

Shelter for women and children who have experienced, or at risk of, abuse or violence. Provides food, emotional support, information, referrals for legal rights, social assistance, and community resources. 

New Hope Centre 

250-714-1142 19 

Nicol Street, Nanaimo 

23 emergency shelter beds for adult males. Dorm style setting. Residents have access to three meals a day, plus showers and laundry facilities. 

Samaritan House 

250-753-1474 

355 Nicol Street, Nanaimo 

www.iccare.ca 

Emergency shelter for women and children – 10 emergency beds and 8 supportive housing units.

BC Housing – Emergency Housing 

For information on provincial programs See: http://www.bchousing.org/Options/Emergency_Ho using  

Homelessness Outreach  

Aboriginal Homelessness Outreach  

Emergency Shelter  Extreme Weather Response  

Homelessness Prevention Programs  

Women’s Transition and Housing Supports 

Bethel Baptist Church 

463 Ypres Street - Duncan 250.746.7432 Provides breakfast of the 1st Saturday of every month from 9-11am 

Cowichan Neighbourhood House

 9806 Willow Street – Chemainus 250.246.3203 Lunch served Monday – Thursday 12:30 – 2:30, Friday 11:30-2:30 

Cowichan Lake Community Services 

121 Point Ideal Road – Lake Cowichan Free bread usually available Mondays (but not always) 

Cowichan Tribes – Outreach Lunch 

5574 River Road – Duncan 2nd Thursday of every month 11am-1pm 

Cowichan Valley Basket Society

5810 Garden Street – Duncan 250.746.1566 Soup kitchen Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm. Closed the Thursday after PWD/SA cheques each month 

Duncan Christian Reform Church 

930 Trunk Road - Duncan 250.748.2122 Provides dinner on the last Saturday of every month, doors open at 5pm 

Duncan United Church

 246 Ingram Street - Duncan 250.746.6043 Provides dinner 3nd Sunday of every month, doors open at 5pm 

House of Friendship Breakfast Program – First Nations only 

5462 Trans-Canada Hwy – Duncan 250.748.2242 Breakfast served Monday – Friday 6-9am  

Hulhetun Health Food for the Soul Ladysmith Table Community Dinner

 314 Buller Street – Ladysmith Provides dinner on the 3rd Friday of every month 

LRCA Soup Kitchen @ Bethel Church

 1149-4th Avenue (side bottom door) – Ladysmith Provides a hot meal Tuesday and Thursday 2-4pm Meals on the Ground 246 Ingram Street United – Duncan Meals are Mon, Wed, Fri at 5:00pm 

Open Door (Youth ages 12-24 only) 

371 Festubert Street – Duncan 250.732.2395 Coffee & muffins on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8am-12pm. 

Sunday Sandwiches 51 Trunk Road – Duncan Serve lunch every Sunday from 1-2pm 

Warmland Shelter 

2579 Lewis Street – Duncan 250.715.1132 Provides breakfast and dinner to shelter clients, 7 days a week. Serves lunch on the days that the Cowichan Valley Food Basket is closed (day after cheque day and statutory holidays). BBQ every 2nd Sunday of the month at noon hosted by the Knights of Columbus. 

Women’s Night Shelters 

2003 University Way – Duncan 250.466.9492 Provide breakfast and dinner to shelter clients, 7 days a week. 

Art Mann Park 

5990 Indian Road 

Centennial Park 

325 First Street 

Dawn to dusk 

Charles Hoey Memorial Park 

130 Canada Avenue - Duncan 

October – April

Monday – Saturday, 8am-5pm, Sunday 8am-4pm May – September & December Monday – Saturday 8am-9pm, Sunday 8am-4pm 

Chemainus Ball Fields, Doc Lewis Park

– Chemainus 9am-8pm 

Cowichan Aquatic Centre 

2653 James Street - Duncan 

Monday – Friday 6am – 9:30pm, Saturday 7:30am – 9:30pm, Sunday 11am-6pm 

Cowichan Community Centre  

2687 James Street

– Duncan 7 days a week 6:30am-10pm 

Cowichan Lake Sports Arena 

311 South Shore Road – Lake Cowichan 

Monday – Friday 9:30-5:30, Saturday – Sunday 9:30-4:30 

Cowichan Neighbourhood House 

9806 Willow Street – Chemainus 

250.246.3203 

Monday – Wednesday 1-5pm, Thursday & Saturday 7-9pm, Friday 11:30am-5pm and 7-9pm 

Cowichan Sportsplex

5847 Chesterfield Avenue – Duncan

7 days a week

8am – 9:30pm 

Cowichan Valley Basket Society 

5810 Garden Street – Duncan 

250.746.1566 

Monday – Saturday 10am-4pm, Saturday June – September 10am-2pm. Closed Thursday after PWD/SA each month and statutory holidays 

Crofton Pool 

1668 Robert Street - Crofton 

Duncan United Church 

246 Ingram Street – Duncan 

250.746.6043 

Monday – Friday 9am-12pm 

Evans Park 

6257 Somenos Road – Duncan 24 hours daily 

Fuller Lake Park

 Poplar Road – Chemainus 8am-10pm 

Fuller Lake Arena 

2876 Fuller Lake Road – Chemainus 

250.246.3811 

Monday – Friday 9am-4pm 

Kinsmen Beach (Chemainus)

 Pine Street – Chemainus 

8am-11pm daily 

LRCA

630-2nd Avenue – Ladysmith 

Dawn to Dusk 

McAdam Park

 820 Wharncliffe Road - Duncan 

8am-10pm 

Transfer Beach 

Captain Tristan de Konnick Way - Ladysmith 

Dawn to Dusk 

Warmland House  

2579 Lewis Street – Duncan

 Waterwheel Park 

3828 Croft Street – Chemainus 

7am-11pm daily 

BeConnected Support Services 

202-321 Festubert Street – Duncan 250.748.3858 People are referred to our services by Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) and the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). Canadian Mental Health Association 371 Festubert Street – Duncan 250.732.2395 Drop-in centre for youth between ages 12-24. Coffee, Muffins, Shower, Laundry, Nurse, Outreach Team. Come say hello and grab a snack. Tuesday and Thursday 8am – 12pm. Call or text 250.732.2395 if you have any questions. Cowichan Lake Community Service 121 Point Ideal Road – Lake Cowichan 250.749.6822 Providing counselling and programs to people in Cowichan Lake Cowichan Neighbourhood House 9806 Willow Street – Chemainus 250.246.3203 The Cowichan Neighbourhood House is a volunteer run community centre, providing free educational and recreational activities for families, youth, and individuals, as well as daily food and resources to those in need, including the homeless. All services and activities are provided free of charge, including workshops Cowichan Tribes Youth Centre 5526 River Road - Duncan 250.746.0607 The Cowichan Tribes Youth Centre provides Youth with a safe and positive environment to hang out, have fun and learn. Youth are able to participate in community even planning, join Youth groups, study and interact with other youth. Hours: Tues/Wed/Thurs 3-9pm Fri 3-8pm (Cook Night) Sat 3-11pm (Gym Night 8-11pm) Rides for youth to and from the youth centre are available on Wednesdays 4:00 - 8:00 pm Saturdays 7:00 - 11:00 pm Cowichan Valley Youth Services 554 Trunk Road 250.748.0232 Provides free counselling and various outreach and support services for youth age 13-19 and their families in the Cowichan Valley. Discovery Youth & Family Substance User Services 371 Festubert Street 250.737.2029 Offers free community-based counselling services and access to residential care and treatment for youth ages 13-19. House of Friendship 5462 Trans-Canada Hwy – Duncan 250.748.2242 Promoting wellness and unity addressing needs and aspirations of Aboriginal people by providing holistic programs and services. Ladysmith Resource Centre Association – Youth Program 630-2nd Avenue – Ladysmith 250.245.3079 This program operates on an outreach basis for youth between ages 13-18 who may be experiencing problems at home, in school, or are experiencing conflict in their lives. Margaret Moss Health Unit 675 Canada Ave – Duncan 250.709.3050 Island Health Youth Clinic: provide confidential services to clients under 25 years of age that include education, counselling, resources and referrals for: low cost birth control, emergency contraception (Plan B), STI testing and treatment, pregnancy testing and counselling. sexual decision-making and relationships, immunizations. NARSF Programs Ltd. 1A-170 Wallace Street – Nanaimo Youth Withdrawal & Stabilization Program Transitions is designed to help youth and their families with problematic drug and alcohol use achieve their goal of abstinence or reduction of harmful consequences of substance abuse. The program is voluntary, and offers non-medical support to youth between the ages of 12 -19 years in a private, safe, chemical-free and supportive care home setting. 

Cowichan Independent Living #103-121 First Street, Duncan 250.746.3930 They provide medical equipment loans, parking place cards, and services (peer support, advocacy, employment help) for those who are living with a disability. Call for an appointment. Cowichan Seniors Community Foundation 135 Third Street, Duncan Included in their services are transportation for seniors to appointments (refer to the section on transportation) and brain fitness classes. They publish a Seniors Resource Guide which is updated every year. Grandparents Support 1.877.345.9777 Meet with other grandparents who are raising their children’s children for support, information, and resources. To find out about the Cowichan Valley groups, call Sandi at 250.468.9658 Ladysmith Resource Centre Association 630-2nd Avenue – Ladysmith 250.245.3079 They offer a wide variety of support services to those living in the Ladysmith area. This includes peer counselling, grocery delivery, friendly visitors, income tax assistance, medical transportation, and much more. Mental Health & Substance Use 3088 Gibbins Road, Duncan 250.709.3040 The Seniors Outreach Team (Geriatric Specialty Services Mental Health and Substance Use) at the Duncan Mental Health office works with seniors who have concerns about their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. A referral is needed from your doctor. Volunteer Cowichan, Better at Home Program #1-Kenneth Place, Duncan 250.748.2133 Helps seniors with simple non-medical tasks not covered by Island Health. This may include light housekeeping, yard work, friendly visitors, shopping, snow removal, minor home repairs, and transportation to appointments. The cost is dependent on income. Volunteer Cowichan also provides registration forms and tickets for HandyDart transportation services. 

FOOT CARE Warmland House 2579 Lewis Street - Duncan Third Tuesday of every month 9am-1pm Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre 5768 Allenby Road – Duncan 250.746.6184 

FREE LAUNDRY House of Friendship (First Nations Only) 5462 Trans-Canada Hwy – Duncan 250.748.2242 Ladysmith Cold Weather Shelter (Nov-Mar only) 631- 1st Avenue – Ladysmith Open Door (Youth ages 12-24 only) 371 Festubert Street – Duncan 250.732.2395 Warmland Shelter 2579 Lewis Street – Duncan 250.715.1132 Women’s Night Shelters 2003 University Way – Duncan 250.466.9492 

FREE HAIR CUTS

Vancouver Island Hair Dressing Program 5265 Boal Road – Duncan 250.746.3520 * Call to make an appointment 

FREE PHONE Cowichan Lake Community Services 121 Point Ideal Road – Lake Cowichan Cowichan Neighbourhood House 9806 Willow Street – Chemainus Duncan United Church 246 Ingram Street – Duncan LRCA 630-2nd Avenue – Ladysmith Warmland Shelter 2579 Lewis Street – Duncan FREE INTERNET LRCA 630-2nd Avenue – Ladysmith Vancouver Island Regional Library Library cards are free and allow you to go online at the library. Computers and free Wi-Fi is available at all branches Cowichan Library - 2687 James Street Chemainus Library – 2592 Legion Street Lake Cowichan Library – 68 Renfrew Road Ladysmith Library - #3-740 First Avenue Mill Bay / Shawnigan Lake Library - #310-2720 Mill Bay Road Warmland Shelter 2579 Lewis Street – Duncan 250.715.1132 SHOWERS Cowichan Neighbourhood House 9806 Willow Street – Chemainus 250.246.3203 Wednesday 11am House of Friendship (First Nations only) 5462 Trans-Canada Hwy – Duncan 250.748.2242 Monday – Friday 6-9am LRCA 630-2nd Avenue – Ladysmith Open Door (Youth ages 12-24 only) 371 Festubert Street – Duncan 250.732.2395 Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8am-12pm. Sobering and Assessment Centre (Clients using facility only) 2579 Lewis Street Warmland Shelter 2579 Lewis Street – Duncan 250.715.1132 Women’s Night Shelters 2003 University Way – Duncan 250.466.9492 Cowichan Lake Community Services 121 Point Ideal Road – Lake Cowichan 

THRIFT STORES Chemainus Thrift Shop Health Care Auxiliary 9867 Maple Street – Chemainus 250.246.2476 Good Neighbours 5825 York Road - Duncan Hospital Auxiliaries 79 Station Street - Duncan Ladysmith Healthcare Thrift Store 910-1st Avenue – Ladysmith 250.245.5225 Missions 5777 Trans-Canada Hwy - Duncan New to You Community Thrift Store 1606 Joan Ave – Crofton 

250.324.4499 Salvation Army 280 Trans Canada Hwy - Duncan Sassy Lion 164 Kenneth Street - Duncan Steve’s Place 865 Shawnigan Lake Mill Bay Road – Mill Bay 250.929.6655 Thrifty Town 531 Canada Avenue – Duncan The Salvation Army Thrift Store 855 Shawnigan Lake – Mill Bay Road 250.743.2123 

CLOTHING & HOUSEHOLD ITEMS Cowichan Valley Basket Society 5810 Garden Street – Duncan 250.746.1566 Duncan United Church Thrift Store 246 Ingram Street - Duncan 250.746.6043 Friday 9am-1:30pm Providence Farm – Farm Fashions 1843 Tzouhalem Road – Duncan 250.746.4204 Monday – Friday 9:30am – 12:30pm Warmland Shelter 2579 Lewis Street – Duncan 250.715.1132 Women’s Night Shelters 2003 University Way - Duncan 250.466.9492 

COUNSELLING & SUPPORT Canadian Mental Health Society 371 Festubert Street – Duncan 250.746.5521 Cowichan Lake Community Services 121 Point Ideal Road – Lake Cowichan 250.749.6822 Cowichan Women Against Violence 246 Evans Street – Duncan 250.748.7000 Cowichan Valley Youth Services 554 Trunk Road – Duncan 250.748.0232 Discovery Youth & Family Substance User Services – Island Health 250.519.5313 - South Island 250.739.5790 - Central/North Island House of Friendship 5462 Trans-Canada Hwy – Duncan 250.748.2242 Kwun’atsustul Counselling Services 200 Cowichan Way – Duncan 778..422.3122 Ladysmith Resource Centre Association 630-2nd Avenue – Ladysmith 250.245.3079 

Aboriginal Community Legal Worker-Legal Services 200 Cowichan Way – Duncan 250.748.1160 

Cowichan Valley Regional RCMP Victim Services 250.746.2160 Monday – Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. Free and confidential services to victims and witnesses of crime and traumatic events. Their goal is to empower victims and their families throughout their participation in the criminal justice system. (North Cowichan, Duncan, Lake Cowichan, and Shawnigan Lake RCMP detachment areas) Family Justice Centre 5785 Duncan Street - Duncan 250.741.5447 Provides free legal service on family related matters. Make an appointment by calling. Legal Aid 238 Government Street – Duncan 250.753.4396 Tues/Wed/Thurs 9-11:30am & 1-3:30pm Lake Cowichan First Nation 313b Deer Road – Lake Cowichan Call Nanaimo legal aid office for outreach hours (250.753.4396) Pivot Legal Society 121 Heatley Avenue – Vancouver 604.255.9700 Works in partnership with communities affected by poverty and social exclusion to identify priorities and develop solutions to complex human rights issues. Our work is focused in four policy areas: police accountability, health and drug policy, homelessness, and sex worker’s rights. 

Beverly Medical Clinic 2763 Beverly Street – Duncan 250.597.3390 Monday – Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-1pm Chemainus Health Care Centre 9909 Esplanade Street 250.737.2040 7:30am – 10:30pm 7 days a week Chemainus Medical Clinic 9892 Esplanade Street – Chemainus 250.246.3261 Monday – Friday 8:30am-4:30pm Cowichan District Hospital 3045 Gibbins Road – Duncan 250.737.2030 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Heather Taylor, Nurse Practitioner Monday: 2 days a month in Ditidaht Tuesday: 8am-12pm Open Door Youth Clinic @ 371 Festubert 2-6pm 341 Festubert office Wednesday: 8:30am-6pm 341 Festubert Office (Closed 1-2pm) Thursday: 8:30am-6pm 341 Festubert Office (Closed 1-2pm) Friday: 8:30am-12pm 341 Festubert Office 2-6pm Warmland Shelter Lakeside Medical Clinic 138 South Shore Road – Lake Cowichan 250.932.9011 *Call to ask about walk in hours Phoenix Wellness Clinic 3rd Floor 5878 York Road – Duncan Call or Text 604.260.7252 Dr. Harris Monday – Thursday 8-11:30 Dr. Lea Monday & Wednesday 1-3pm, Friday 9am-3pm Primacy Cowichan Way Clinic 291 Cowichan Way – Duncan (inside Superstore) 250.856.0560 Monday – Thursday 9am-9pm, Friday & Saturday 9am-4pm South Cowichan Medical Clinic Unit A-845 Deloume Road – Mill Bay 250.929.0197 Monday – Friday 9am-5pm (Closed for lunch 12-1pm), Saturday & Holidays 10am-1pm Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre (Health & Dental) 5768 Allenby Road – Duncan 250.746.6184 Monday – Friday 8:30am-4:30pm (Closed for lunch 12-1pm) Valleyview Centre 27-1400 Cowichan Bay Road – Cobble Hill 250.743.9395 Monday – Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-3pm, Sunday 10am-3pm 

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOANS Cowichan Independent Living 103-121 First Street – Duncan 250.746.3930 The Canadian Red Cross #2-5855 York Road, Duncan 250.748.2111 Monday to Thursday 10am-2pm 121 Point Ideal, Lake Cowichan 250.749.6822 1111 Forth Street 250.245.9791 Call for an appointment 

Cowichan Valley Youth Services 

554 Trunk Road 

250.748.0232 

Provides free counselling and various outreach and support services for youth age 13-19 and their families in the Cowichan Valley. 

I.D.A. – Island Pharmacy  

138 South Shore Road – Lake Cowichan 

250.749.3141 Monday

– Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9:30am-5pm 

Ladysmith Community Health Centre 

1111-4th Avenue – Ladysmith 

250.739.5777 

Monday – Friday 7:30am-3:30pm, Saturday 8-11am 

Margaret Moss Health Unit 

675 Canada Ave – Duncan 

250.709.3050 Monday

– Friday 8:30am-4:30pm 

Overdose Prevention Site 

221 Trunk Road – Duncan 

250.597.7779 

7 days a week 1-7pm 

Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre 

5768 Allenby Road – Duncan 

250.746.6184 

Monday – Friday 8:30am-4:30pm *

Prescriptions for nasal naloxone provided to people with Status Card 

NARSF Mobile Outreach 

Toll Free 1.844.482.4239 or text 250.510.3637  

Free and confidential safer sex and drug use supplies, HIV testing, overdose prevention and harm reduction supplies. 

Cowichan Lake, Cowichan

Tuesdays 1-8pm Ladysmith – Friday 2-9:30pm and Saturday 6-9pm 

Warmland House Shelter 

2579 Lewis Street Duncan 

250.715.1132 

7 days all hours except between 1-7pm when the OPS is open 

Overdose Prevention Sites

Overdose Prevention Site (OPS) 

221 Trunk Road – Duncan Entrance on Ypres Street 

250.597.7779 

Consumption booths, post-use areas, naloxone kits, education & support 

1-7pm 7 days a week 

Needle Deposit

Meade Creek Recycling Drop-off

Depot 8855 Youbou Road 

Peerless Road Recycling Drop-off

Depot 10830 Peerless Road 

Evans Park Ball Field 

6257 Somenos Road 

Sherman Road Soccer Park 

3272 Sherman Road 

Canada Avenue Public Restroom 

100 Block Canada Avenue (Train Station) 

Mental Health & Substance Use 

3088 Gibbins Road 

Centennial Park  

325 First Street 

Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre 

5768 Allenby Road 

Rotary Park  

545 Al Wilson Grove 

Heiwa Park 

Canada Avenue (beside CO-OP gas station) 

Margaret Moss Health Unit 

675 Canada Avenue 

Cowichan Valley Basket Society 

5810 Garden Street 

Cowichan Aquatic Centre 

2653 James Street 

Warmland House 

2579 Lewis Street 

McAdam Park 

820 Wharncliffe Road 

Duncan Public Works Yard

 1091 Marchmont Road 

Somenos Creek Dog Park 

2355 Beverly Street 

Kin Park 

5801 Alderlea Street 

HandyDart 1 Kenneth Place – Duncan 250.748.1230 Provides wheelchair friendly transportation throughout the Cowichan Valley. Call first to register for this service. Freemasons Cancer Car Program 250.668.5585 Passengers must be undergoing cancer treatment in Victoria and be completely ambulatory to take part in the program. It’s preferred that passengers have a family member, neighbour or friend drive them to the van’s pick-up places in the area, which are along the Island Highway at Chemainus, Duncan and Mill Bay. Contact the van dispatcher in advance for a ride to and from treatment. The service is free, donations accepted. Ladysmith Resource Centre 630-2nd Avenue – Ladysmith 

250.245.3079 Provides transportation to medical appointments for residents of Ladysmith. Supported Transportation “Door-to-Door” 250.715.6481 Transportation for Cancer Patients 250.668.5585 Wheels for Wellness Society 1894 Bolt Avenue, Comox 250.338.0196 Offers transportation to medical appointments in Victoria (by donation) 

Cowichan Lake Community Services 250.749.6822 Employment services are available at CLCS through Ethos Career Management. Cowichan Valley Youth Services – Youth Employment Mentorship Program 250.748.0232 The Youth Employment Mentorship Program is aimed to help youth (15-30) gain skills and confidence to enter the working world. Through workshops and job coaching we meet you where you are and help you get to where you want to go. The 1st 5 weeks of the 12-week commitment, participants receive paid life/job skills training. The last 7 weeks of the 12-week commitment, participants will continue receiving support in their newly acquired position or continued job search. Employers who hire a YEMP graduate are eligible to claim a wage reimbursement of a minimum of 50% of min. wage(12.65/hour). Cowichan Women Against Violence – Horizons Pre-Employment Program 250.748.7000 ext. 113 Horizons provides pre-employment services for women who face barriers to employment related to past experiences of abuse or trauma. The Horizons Pre-Employment Program is part of the Employment Program of British Columbia and is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. Cowichan Tribes – Quw’utsun Employment and Training 5744 Allenby Road 250.715.1022 QET provides Cowichan Tribes members, 15 years and older, with education and training that enhances their employability. Must have a valid SIN, ID, and be seeking full-time employment OR upgrading minimum grade 9 level. QET provides help with upgrading/certificate courses (including tuition, books, supplies), EI Top up, work gear, gas card/buss pass, post-secondary courses, driver’s license, employment assisted services. ETHOS Career Management 301-80 Station Street – Duncan 250.748.9880 Employment and career programs and corporate HR and small business training.