Hours, services, eligibility, and intake rules can change. Call ahead when possible. This guide is for planning and survival navigation, not emergency response. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are in emotional crisis, call or text 988.
π§ Start Here If you are not sure where to start, call 2-1-1, check Duncan Survival Hub, or contact a local outreach worker. Many services can help you find the right next step even if they are not the exact program you need.
π Search organizations Filter by need All Food Shelter Housing Health Recovery Indigenous Women's Safety Youth Legal Clothing Outreach Immigrant
Filter by access All Walk-in Call first Referral needed Confidential
44 listings shown
π½οΈ Food & MealsHampers, hot meals, snacks, and drop-in food support.
Cowichan Valley Basket Society / Duncan Food Bank Food
Grocery hampers, meals, snacks, and warm drop-in support.
π 5810 Garden Street, Duncan π 250-746-1566 βοΈ office@cvbs.ca βΉοΈ Call ahead when possible. ID may be required for hampers. Walk-in Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Salvation Army Community & Family Services Food Clothing Outreach
Emergency food hampers, street packs, vouchers, and community support.
π 280 Trans-Canada Highway, Duncan π 250-746-8669 βοΈ cowichanvalley.info@salvationarmy.ca βΉοΈ Call to confirm current hours and voucher availability. Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Duncan United Church Food Clothing
Community meals, thrift support, and connection to local help.
π 246 Ingram Street, Duncan π 250-746-6043 βΉοΈ Verify current meal schedule before going. Walk-in Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
New Life Church Duncan Food Clothing Outreach
Community support, clothing and furniture help, and practical 'Needs & Extras' support.
π 1839 Tzouhalem Road, Duncan π 250-748-6521 βΉοΈ Call to confirm current details before going. Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Meals on Wheels Cowichan Food
Meal delivery, especially for seniors or people with mobility barriers.
βΉοΈ Verify eligibility and referral process before relying on it. Referral needed Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Cob Oven Youth Program Food Youth
Youth meals and community connection.
βΉοΈ Verify current schedule before relying on it. Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
π Shelter & HousingEmergency shelter, transitional and supportive housing pathways.
Warmland House Emergency Shelter β CMHA Cowichan Valley Shelter Housing
Adult emergency shelter, low-barrier support, and connection to housing resources.
π 2579 Lewis Street, Duncan π 250-715-1132 π₯ Who it's for: Adults 19+. βΉοΈ Bed availability changes. Call before relying on a bed. Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Warmland House Transitional Housing Housing Shelter
Transitional housing toward stable, longer-term housing.
π 2579 Lewis Street, Duncan π 250-715-1132 βΉοΈ Intake may involve the BC Housing registry or a program application. Referral needed Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Mischa Lelum Youth Emergency Shelter Shelter Youth
Emergency youth shelter and 24/7 youth safety support.
π 190 Hemlock Avenue, Duncan π 250-732-8415 π₯ Who it's for: Youth around ages 15β18. βΉοΈ Verify current eligibility. Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Cowichan Women Against Violence Society Women's Safety Shelter Outreach
Women's safety, counselling, advocacy, shelter connection, and violence support.
π 246 Evans Street, Duncan π 250-748-7000 βΉοΈ Support may be confidential. Call to confirm. Call first Confidential
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Somenos Transition House Women's Safety Shelter
Emergency shelter for women and children fleeing violence.
π 250-748-8544 βΉοΈ Confidential support. Call first. Call first Confidential
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Cedar Branches Women's Shelter Women's Safety Shelter
Low-barrier women's shelter and safety support.
π 1081 Canada Avenue, Duncan π 250-466-9492 βΉοΈ 24/7 wet shelter. Verify access rules. Walk-in Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Hiiye'yu Lelum Society / House of Friendship Indigenous Housing Outreach Food Clothing
Indigenous-focused outreach, housing support, advocacy, referrals, breakfast, shower/laundry, and cultural and family supports.
π #106 β 5462 Trans-Canada Highway, Duncan π 250-748-2242 βΉοΈ Prioritizes Indigenous people and people at risk of homelessness. Walk-in Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Connective β Affordable Housing Housing
Subsidized and supportive housing pathways.
βΉοΈ A housing pathway, not emergency shelter. Verify current Duncan/Cowichan intake process. Referral needed Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
M'akola Housing Society Housing Indigenous
Indigenous housing and affordable housing.
π 26β3170 Gibbins Road, Duncan π 250-746-1785 βΉοΈ Verify applications and waitlist process. Referral needed Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Pacifica Housing Housing
Affordable and supportive housing.
βΉοΈ Add as a housing resource if Cowichan availability applies; verify local listings. Referral needed Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
π§ Mental Health & RecoveryMental health, substance use, harm reduction, and recovery supports.
CMHA Cowichan Valley Branch Recovery Health Outreach Youth Housing
Mental health support, adult outreach, counselling, youth services, housing/shelter programs, sobering and assessment supports.
π 552/554 Trunk Road, Duncan π 250-597-1372 βΉοΈ A major anchor organization. Call to confirm programs. Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
CMHA Adult Outreach Team Outreach Recovery Clothing Food
Mobile outreach with snacks, hygiene kits, clothing, referrals, and connection to supports for people homeless, living in vehicles, camping, couch surfing, or precariously housed.
π 250-597-1372 βΉοΈ Travels through the Cowichan Valley several days per week. Verify current route/schedule. Walk-in Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Cowichan Valley Wellness & Recovery Centre / Lookout Health Recovery
Primary care, addiction medicine, mental health and substance use support, wound care, OAT, TiOAT, managed alcohol, harm reduction, and referrals.
π 5878 York Road, Duncan π 250-597-7779 βΉοΈ A major health and recovery anchor. Call to confirm. Walk-in Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Cowichan Overdose Prevention Site Health Recovery Outreach
Supervised consumption, overdose response, harm reduction supplies, naloxone, and health referrals.
π 5878 York Road, Duncan π 250-597-7779 π Listed as 8amβ9pm daily β verify before relying on hours. βΉοΈ If someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately. Walk-in
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Cowichan Women Against Violence Society β Counselling Women's Safety Recovery Health
Trauma counselling, women's safety, advocacy, and support after violence.
π 246 Evans Street, Duncan π 250-748-7000 βΉοΈ Support may be confidential. Call to confirm. Call first Confidential
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
πͺΆ Indigenous SupportsIndigenous-led health, housing, youth, cultural, and advocacy services.
Hiiye'yu Lelum Society / House of Friendship Indigenous Outreach Food Clothing Youth
Indigenous outreach, homelessness support, advocacy, referrals, breakfast, shower/laundry, family support, and youth/cultural programming.
π #106 β 5462 Trans-Canada Highway, Duncan π 250-748-2242 βΉοΈ Verify current email before relying on it. Walk-in Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Cowichan Tribes Main Office Indigenous Outreach
Administration, social development pathways, member services, Elders support, and referrals.
π 5760 Allenby Road, Duncan π 250-748-3196 βΉοΈ Call to confirm the right department for your need. Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Ts'ewulhtun Health Centre β Cowichan Tribes Health Indigenous Health Food
Public health, chronic disease support, health education, foot care, Good Food Box, and traditional and non-traditional healing support.
π 5768 Allenby Road, Duncan π 250-746-6184 π₯ Who it's for: Cowichan Tribes / status members. Verify eligibility. Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Cowichan Tribes Youth Services / Quw'utsun Youth Centre Indigenous Youth
Youth drop-in, safe space, activities, and cultural programs.
π 470 Trans-Canada Highway, Duncan π 250-746-0607 π₯ Who it's for: Local youth, roughly ages 12β18. Verify current age range and hours. Walk-in Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
M'akola Housing Society Indigenous Housing
Indigenous housing and affordable housing.
π 26β3170 Gibbins Road, Duncan π 250-746-1785 βΉοΈ Verify applications and waitlist process. Referral needed Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Legal Aid BC β Indigenous Community Legal Workers, Duncan Indigenous Legal
Family law, child protection, housing law, wills and estates, court accompaniment, legal process explanation, and referrals.
π Duncan Provincial Court, 302β238 Government Street, Duncan π 250-748-1160 π Listed as MonβFri 8:30amβ4:30pm β verify before going. Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
π‘οΈ Women's SafetySafety, counselling, advocacy, and shelter for women and children.
Cowichan Women Against Violence Society Women's Safety Recovery Outreach
Women's safety, counselling, advocacy, shelter connection, and violence support.
π 246 Evans Street, Duncan π 250-748-7000 βΉοΈ Support may be confidential. Call to confirm. Call first Confidential
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Somenos Transition House Women's Safety Shelter
Emergency shelter for women and children fleeing violence.
π 250-748-8544 βΉοΈ Confidential support. Call first. Call first Confidential
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Cedar Branches Women's Shelter Women's Safety Shelter
Low-barrier women's shelter and safety support.
π 1081 Canada Avenue, Duncan π 250-466-9492 βΉοΈ 24/7 wet shelter. Verify access rules. Walk-in Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
π§ Youth ServicesDrop-in, counselling, safe shelter, and activities for youth.
CMHA Youth Centre Youth Recovery Health
Youth drop-in, counselling, diversion, activities, and mental health connection.
π 360 Festubert Street, Duncan π 250-746-5512 π Listed as MonβFri 10amβ6pm β verify before going. π₯ Who it's for: Youth roughly ages 12β19. Walk-in Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Mischa Lelum Youth Emergency Shelter Youth Shelter
Emergency youth shelter and safety support.
π 190 Hemlock Avenue, Duncan π 250-732-8415 π₯ Who it's for: Youth around ages 15β18. βΉοΈ Verify current eligibility. Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Cowichan Tribes Youth Services / Quw'utsun Youth Centre Youth Indigenous
Youth drop-in, cultural programs, and safe activities.
π 470 Trans-Canada Highway, Duncan π 250-746-0607 βΉοΈ Verify current age range and hours. Walk-in Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Cowichan Family Life Association Youth Outreach
Family and youth support.
βΉοΈ Verify current programs, phone, and referral process before going. Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
βοΈ Legal & AdvocacyLegal help, housing advocacy, and system navigation.
Legal Aid BC β Duncan / Indigenous Community Legal Workers Legal Indigenous
Low-income and Indigenous legal support, family law, child protection, housing issues, wills and estates, court help, and referrals.
π Duncan Provincial Court, 302β238 Government Street, Duncan π 250-748-1160 π Listed as MonβFri 8:30amβ4:30pm β verify before going. Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Cowichan Housing Association Legal Housing
Housing information, housing advocacy, community housing resources, and system navigation.
βΉοΈ A planning and referral resource. Verify current details. Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
BC 211 Legal Outreach
Finding food, shelter, crisis, housing, health, legal, and community support across BC.
π 2-1-1 βΉοΈ Free, confidential, multilingual. Available 24/7. Walk-in
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
π§Ί Clothing & HygieneClothing, showers, laundry, and basic-needs support.
Salvation Army Thrift Store β Duncan Clothing
Thrift clothing and household items.
π 280 Trans-Canada Highway, Duncan π 250-746-7032 βΉοΈ Vouchers may be available through Community & Family Services. Walk-in
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Duncan United Church Thrift Clothing Food
Thrift clothing, goods, and community connection.
π 246 Ingram Street, Duncan π 250-746-6043 βΉοΈ Verify current hours before going. Walk-in Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
New Life Church Duncan Clothing Outreach
Clothing and furniture support and practical needs.
π 1839 Tzouhalem Road, Duncan π 250-748-6521 βΉοΈ Call to confirm current details. Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
Hiiye'yu Lelum / House of Friendship Clothing Indigenous Food Outreach
Shower/laundry access, breakfast, Indigenous outreach, advocacy, and referrals.
π #106 β 5462 Trans-Canada Highway, Duncan π 250-748-2242 Walk-in Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
CMHA Adult Outreach Team Clothing Outreach Food
Hygiene kits, snacks, clothing, and outreach support for people outside or precariously housed.
π 250-597-1372 βΉοΈ Verify current route/schedule. Walk-in Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
π Immigrant & Newcomer HelpSettlement, employment, language, and newcomer navigation.
Cowichan Intercultural Society / Immigrant Welcome Centre Immigrant Outreach
Settlement support, immigrant and refugee support, employment help, English classes, childcare support, and newcomer navigation.
π 321 St. Julien Street, Duncan π 250-748-3112 βοΈ office@cis-iwc.org βΉοΈ The main Cowichan newcomer support hub. Walk-in Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
π€ Volunteer & Community SupportVolunteer coordination and community capacity building.
Volunteer Cowichan Outreach
Volunteer coordination, Better at Home seniors support, youth volunteer training, and community capacity.
π 149 Canada Avenue #3, Duncan π 250-748-2133 βοΈ vc@volunteercowichan.bc.ca βΉοΈ Not always direct emergency help, but important for connecting volunteers and programs. Call first
Verify before relying on hours or availability.
β οΈ Known Gaps in the Cowichan Support System Cowichan has many strong organizations, but some needs are still hard to meet. These gaps matter because people often fall through them.
Family & couples shelter Limited emergency shelter options for couples, parents, and families.
Youth 18β24 Youth aging out of services may have fewer clear pathways.
Rural access Cobble Hill, Chemainus, Lake Cowichan, Ladysmith, and remote areas may have fewer walk-in services.
After-hours support Many services close in the evening or on weekends.
Specialized mental health & trauma care Waitlists or limited programs may exist.
Detox & treatment beds Access can be limited and may require referral or travel.
Storage / lockers People without housing may struggle to safely store documents, medication, clothing, and gear.
π How Referrals Often Work Step 2 Duncan Survival Hub / 2-1-1 / outreach worker
Step 3 Food Β· shelter Β· health Β· housing Β· Indigenous support Β· women's safety Β· youth Β· legal aid
A person can call 2-1-1, visit Duncan Survival Hub, or talk to an outreach worker.
Food programs may be walk-in or require ID / an advance call.
Shelters depend on bed availability.
Transitional and subsidized housing usually require applications, referrals, or the BC Housing registry.
Health and recovery services may accept walk-ins for some programs, but appointments or referrals may be needed.
Women's safety services may be confidential.
Indigenous services may have eligibility rules depending on Nation, status, or program funding.
Youth services often have age ranges.
Duncan Survival Hub is an independent, community-made survival resource. It does not replace emergency services, professional medical care, legal advice, or official agency intake.