🧺
Cowichan Valley Basket Society
FoodFood bank, hampers, and emergency food support for individuals and families in our community.
Call ahead as hours can change.
Duncan Food & Meal Resources
Newly Added Resources
The latest Cowichan Valley resources added to the directory. Tap any to find it in the searchable list below.
🏠 Ladysmith Resources Centre (LRCA)🍽️ LRCA Food Pantry🚐 LRCA Seniors Transport & Advocacy💊 Island Health Access Central (Detox)🏥 Clearview Medical Detox — Nanaimo🧠 Cowichan Lodge Tertiary Mental Health➕ Rapid Access Addiction Clinic🩺 CV Learning Co-Op Youth Clinic🩺 Kaatza Health Centre Youth Clinic🩺 Lake Cowichan Secondary Youth Clinic🩺 Margaret Moss Health Unit Youth Clinic🤝 Volunteer Cowichan🐴 Cowichan Therapeutic Riding🪶 Kwun'atsustul Counselling🪶 Cowichan Tribes Youth Services🪶 Quw'utsun Employment & Training🛡️ Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC)🛡️ Residential Tenancy Branch🚌 BC Transit On-Request♿ handyDART Cowichan Valley🎫 BC Bus Pass Program
FEATURED RESOURCES
Trusted local organizations and services in Duncan & the Cowichan Valley.
Listings last reviewed June 5, 2026.
🚪
The Station – Day Shelter
ShelterDaytime shelter, meals, showers, laundry, and support services.
Call ahead as hours can change.
🏥
Island Health – Duncan
HealthMental HealthHealth services, walk-in clinic, mental health & substance use support.
Call ahead as hours can change.
⛪
New Life Church — Duncan
FoodFamily SupportFood hampers, family meals, free furniture, moms' group with childcare, back-to-school clothing.
Family Dinner Wednesdays 5:00 PM in July & August.
🥪
Sunday Sandwiches
FoodFree Sunday and statutory holiday meal — critical food support when most programs are closed.
Try not to miss this if Sundays are hard.
🛡️
Salvation Army — Family Services
FoodClothingEmergency food hampers, street packs, thrift-store vouchers for clothing and household goods.
Call first to confirm hours and ask for vouchers.
🍽️
Meals on the Ground — Duncan United Church
FoodFree community dinner three nights a week at Burns Hall.
Show up a bit before 5 PM for a hot meal.
🚗
Meals on Wheels — Cowichan Green Community
FoodSeniorsPaid home meal delivery for seniors, people with disabilities, and people recovering at home. About $10–$12.50 per meal.
Call weekdays 9 AM – 2 PM to register.
☕
Third Place Café
FoodFree coffee, tea, and home baking on Friday mornings at Duncan United Church.
A warm, friendly drop-in space.
👥
Duncan United Church — Community Dinner
FoodFree monthly community dinner in Heritage Hall — call to confirm which Sunday.
Always call to confirm the exact Sunday.
✝️
Duncan Christian Reformed Church
FoodFree hot meal on the last Saturday of most months.
Skips July and December.
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Kin Park Pantry — Cowichan Green Community
FoodPublic pantry with fruit, vegetables, bread, canned goods, and personal health products. Always open — take what you need.
Check whenever you're nearby — stock changes daily.
🏠
Warmland House — CMHA Cowichan Valley
ShelterHygieneMeals, showers, laundry, clean clothing, day storage, and referrals to other supports.
Ask for showers, laundry, clean clothing, and referrals.
👕
Farm Fashions Free Store — VI Providence
ClothingFree clothing for children and people in need. Referrals accepted from any human service organization, school, or church.
Office Mon–Fri 9 AM – 4 PM for appointments.
🥫
Cowichan Neighbourhood House — Chemainus
FoodClothingDaily pantry and free store with groceries, clothing, and household items. Drop-in with free soup, sandwiches, and social time.
Great for Chemainus residents and visitors.
📚 Cowichan Community Resource Directory
Tap a category to expand it, then tap any sub-section. Each card includes the basics — call, email, website, and map buttons where info is available.
Information can change. Please call ahead or check official websites when possible. Duncan Survival Hub is an independent community-made guide and does not replace official emergency, medical, legal, or crisis services. For emergencies call 911.
Last updated: May 30, 2026. Information may change. Call ahead when possible.
Food, Meals & Groceries10
Food, Meals & Groceries10
Cowichan Valley Basket Society / Duncan Food Bank
Grocery hampers, daily meals, coffee/pastries, Sunday Sandwiches, fresh produce, and winter warming space.
Salvation Army — Food Programs
Street packs, emergency food hampers, Christmas hampers, and walk-in emergency food help.
Salvation Army — Community & Family Services
Emergency food, thrift store vouchers, lay counselling, disaster services, and free income tax help.
Duncan United Church
Community Dinner, Meals on the Ground, and thrift store.
New Life Church — Duncan
Summer Family Dinner, limited food hampers, back-to-school clothing, Moms Connect, and Needs & Extras furniture program.
Cowichan Community Kitchens
Community kitchen groups where members plan, budget, shop, and cook four nutritious meals together.
Meals on Wheels — Cowichan
Fresh homemade meal delivery with a friendly volunteer check-in.
Cob Oven Youth Program
Safe, sober food and activity program for ages 18–30, especially youth at risk of homelessness.
Get Your Groceries
Grocery card support for low-income racialized women. Proof of income required.
Valley Seniors Organization of Duncan
Recreation, activities, and low-cost meals for adults and seniors 55+.
Shelter & Housing10
Youth Emergency Shelter1
If a youth is in immediate danger, call 911. For crisis support, call or text 988.
Mischa Lelum Youth Emergency Shelter / YES
A 24/7 crisis shelter service in Duncan for youth ages 15–18 who are in crisis, at risk of harm, homeless, couch-surfing, in unsafe or unstable housing, or needing temporary safe placement. Temporary placement: 1 to 14 days. Operated by CMHA Cowichan Valley.
Bylaw / Overnight Shelter Rules1
Rules can change. Call City of Duncan Bylaw or North Cowichan Bylaw to confirm current rules before relying on this information.
Temporary Overnight Shelter Rules
The Cowichan Street Survival Guide lists temporary overnight shelter information for Rotary Park and North Cowichan parks between 7 PM and 9 AM. This information is factual and safety-focused and does not encourage illegal camping.
Shelter, Housing & Homeless Support8
Adult Outreach Team
Mobile outreach for people who are homeless or precariously housed — living in vehicles, camps, or couch-surfing. Van carries food, hygiene, harm-reduction, and donated clothing.
Warmland House — Transitional Housing
24 transitional housing units for people who have difficulty finding stable housing. Minimal-barrier. Apply via BC Housing Supportive Housing Registry or shelter staff.
Temporary Winter Shelter — Duncan
Seasonal 24-hour low-barrier emergency shelter. Pets allowed. Wheelchair accessible.
Homeless Prevention Program
Help for people homeless or at risk — especially Indigenous people and women affected by violence. Rental search, referrals, and rent supplements.
Connective — Affordable Housing
Long-term low-barrier affordable housing for low- to moderate-income BC residents. Buildings in Duncan and other BC communities.
M’akola Housing Society
Affordable housing for Aboriginal families, singles, and couples. Rent may be fixed or income-based.
Pacifica Housing
Subsidized permanent and supported housing for low-income families, people with disabilities, and adults at risk due to mental health or addictions.
Park Place Seniors Living
Independent living, assisted living, residential care, and private pay beds for seniors.
Hygiene & Basic Needs11
Public Washrooms1
Public washrooms are important for unhoused people, seniors, people walking, people travelling by foot, and people in crisis. Hours and access may change — call ahead or check posted signs when possible.
Public Washroom Locations
Public washroom locations across Duncan and the Cowichan Valley.
- Charles Hoey Park / Train Station
- Cowichan Sportsplex
- Duncan United Church
- Evans Park
- McAdam Park
- Centennial Park
- Warmland House
Foot Care2
Free / Low-Cost Haircuts1
Clothing, Hygiene, Household & Basic Needs7
Adult Outreach Team
Outreach van delivers food, snacks, hygiene items, harm-reduction supplies, donated clothing, and more.
Warmland House
Meals, laundry, clothing, showers, day storage, referrals, shelter, and transitional housing connections.
New Life Church — Needs & Extras
Free gently-used furniture for individuals in the Cowichan Valley struggling to furnish their homes. Donations accepted.
Salvation Army Thrift Store — Duncan
Gently-used clothing, household goods, books, media, electronics, bedding, and linens. Vouchers may be available via Community & Family Services.
Duncan United Church Thrift Store
Low-cost second-hand clothing, household goods, and furniture.
Salvation Army — Community & Family Services
Emergency food, thrift store vouchers for clothing/household goods, and practical support.
Thrift / Low-Cost Clothing Options
Paid or low-cost thrift options. These are not guaranteed free emergency clothing programs.
- Hospital Auxiliaries
- Missions
- Sassy Lion
- Thrifty Town
- Salvation Army
- Duncan United Thrift Store
Health & Medical25
Indigenous Health Supports2
Some services may be for Cowichan Tribes members, families, or eligible First Nations people. Call ahead to confirm eligibility.
Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre / Cowichan Tribes Health
Health and wellness supports connected to Cowichan Tribes, including public health, wellness programs, dental and health support, harm reduction, counselling connections, culturally safe support, and medical transportation where eligible.
Medical Transportation for Eligible First Nations
Medical transportation may be available through Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre for eligible First Nations people, including local and out-of-town transportation to medical appointments.
Needle Disposal Box Locations1
Needle disposal boxes help keep public spaces safer and support harm reduction. Use proper disposal boxes when available.
Needle Disposal Box Locations
Public needle disposal box locations across the Cowichan Valley. Locations may change — verify through official local harm reduction or public health sources.
- Evans Park
- Sherman Road Soccer Park
- Train Station public restroom
- Mental Health & Substance Use
- Centennial Park
- Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre
- Rotary Park
- Heiwa Park
- Margaret Moss Health Unit
- Cowichan Valley Basket Society
- Cowichan Aquatic Centre
- Warmland House
- McAdam Park
- Duncan Public Works Yard
- Somenos Creek Dog Park
- Kin Park
Pregnancy Support8
Call ahead to confirm hours, eligibility, referrals, and availability.
Cowichan Maternity Clinic
Maternity and pregnancy care.
Cowichan Midwifery Collective
Midwifery care during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Cowichan Tribes Ts’ewulhtun Health
Pregnancy and wellness supports connected to Cowichan Tribes.
House of Friendship — Healthiest Babies Possible Program
Pregnancy and early-parenting support program.
Healthy Care Pregnancy Program
Support program for pregnant people and new parents. Access locally through Island Health Public Health / Margaret Moss Health Unit.
Margaret Moss Health Unit
Public health supports including prenatal and early years.
Cowichan Valley Midwives
Midwifery care during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Station Street Midwives
Midwifery care during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
First Aid & Training3
These are training resources, not emergency medical care.
Cowichan Valley Training Centre
St. John Ambulance first aid courses. First aid training resource — this is training, not emergency medical care.
ONE WITH NATURE Survival School
Outdoor survival and bushcraft training for adults, families, private groups, online programs, and guided learning. Topics may include outdoor safety, fire, water, shelter, navigation, and overnight skills.
Mid Island Survival Skills
Youth and adult wilderness survival training covering planning, packing, fire making, shelter building, water purification, navigation, and mental resilience.
Health, Public Health & Medical Care11
Cowichan Valley Division of Family Practice
Helps connect people with a family doctor or nurse practitioner. Maintains the GP Referral Service and Pathways Cowichan Valley.
Public Health — Island Health
Public health nursing, prenatal and early years, postpartum, breastfeeding support, immunizations, dental, school-age health, screening, and nutrition education.
Environmental Public Health — Island Health
Inspects restaurants, public pools, hot tubs, personal services, drinking water, tobacco/vapour, and community care licensing.
Cowichan Valley Hospice Society
Free confidential support for people with life-limiting illness, caregivers, and people grieving a death. Companioning, grief support, wellness treatments, advance care planning.
Mental Health & Substance Use Services — Duncan
Assessment, treatment, counselling, education, referral, and specialty MHSU services for adults 19+.
Mobile Health Outreach — Central Vancouver Island
Free confidential harm-reduction services, supplies, HIV/HCV testing, Take Home Naloxone kits and training.
AVI Harm Reduction Services — Nanaimo
Harm reduction supplies, needle exchange, safer drug-use supplies, safer-sex supplies, Take Home Naloxone training. Serves Duncan to Tofino.
AVI Community Health Centre — Nanaimo
Medical and support services for people at risk of, infected with, or affected by HIV/AIDS or hepatitis C. Counselling, OAT, PrEP/PEP, STI testing.
Phoenix Wellness Clinic
Outpatient Opioid Agonist Treatment for adults 19+, withdrawal management, counselling, outreach, hep C treatment, and family physician support.
Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre — Health & Dental
Health, wellness, and dental support connected to Cowichan Tribes. Some services may be for members, families, or eligible First Nations people.
Health & Dental — More Resources
Additional health and dental supports. Medical schedules can change — verify current schedule before publishing for outreach doctor and nurse listings.
- Beverly Medical Clinic
- Cowichan District Hospital
- Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre dental services
- FNHA Virtual Doctor of the Day for First Nations people
- Outreach doctor / nurse listings (verify current schedule before publishing)
Mental Health & Recovery12
Mental Health, Substance Use & Recovery6
Island Community Counselling — Duncan
Individual and group counselling for adults, children, youth, couples, and families — anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, LGBTQIA+. Sliding scale.
Mental Health Recovery Partners — Central VI
Free support and education for individuals and families dealing with schizophrenia, bipolar, major depression, or related psychiatric disorders.
Open Door Rehabilitation Program
Psychosocial rehabilitation for adults 19+ with serious, persistent mental illness. Counselling, pre-vocational programs, mobile support.
Alcoholics Anonymous — Cowichan Valley
12-step support for people who want to stop drinking or are recovering from alcoholism. Meeting times and locations on the website.
Alano Club of Duncan
Alcohol- and drug-free social club. Provides space for 12-step meetings.
Substance Use / Recovery — More Resources
Additional harm reduction, recovery, and substance use supports. For overdose, call 911 and use naloxone if available. For immediate crisis support, call or text 988.
- Cowichan Valley Wellness and Recovery Centre
- Overdose Prevention Site
- SUIT / ICMT
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Narcotics Anonymous
- Al-Anon
- Canada Avenue Clinic
- Sobering & Assessment Centre
- Sa’qw’thut Culturally Grounded Day Treatment Program
- Cowichan Tribes treatment coordinator
- Mental Health and Substance Use Service Link
- Toxic drug alert signup
Counselling, Grief & Victim Support6
Cowichan Valley Hospice Society
Grief support, illness support, caregiver support, advance care planning, and lending library.
Island Community Counselling — Duncan
Sliding-scale counselling for adults, children, youth, couples, and families.
Cowichan Women Against Violence Society
Counselling and advocacy for people affected by abuse and violence.
PEACE Child & Youth Counselling
Free counselling for children and youth ages 4 to 18 exposed to family violence.
Stopping the Violence Counselling — Duncan
Long-term counselling for women 19+ who are survivors of violence, sexual assault, or abuse.
Community-based Victim Services
Crisis support, court support, referrals, and third-party reporting.
Emergency, Safety & Crisis17
Emergency Preparedness3
Household disaster planning for Duncan and the Cowichan Valley — separate from street survival and homelessness resources.
Emergency Management Cowichan
Official emergency planning, preparedness, response, and recovery information for Duncan, North Cowichan, Ladysmith, Lake Cowichan, and the Cowichan Valley Regional District. Topics: emergency planning, local hazards, evacuation routes, wildfires, floods, earthquakes, power outages, shelter-in-place, drought, landslides, Cowichan Alert, household emergency plans, and 7-day self-reliance planning.
One-Week Emergency Kit Checklist
Emergency Management Cowichan recommends preparing supplies that can support a household for at least one week. Build the kit around your household’s real needs, including children, seniors, disabilities, medical needs, pets, and transportation limits.
- Water
- Non-perishable food
- First aid kit
- Prescriptions and medications
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Flashlight
- Spare batteries
- Phone charger
- Battery bank
- Whistle
- Emergency contact list
- Printed emergency plan
- Essential documents
- Cash
- Garbage bags
- Wipes
- Blankets
- Warm clothing
- Proper footwear
- Toiletries
- Pet food and pet leashes if needed
Cowichan Valley Emergency Preparedness Workbook
A practical workbook for creating a household emergency plan. Includes emergency comfort kits, reunion plans, family emergency plans, special-needs planning, emergency water and food, first aid, home supplies, pets, farm animals, earthquake response, evacuations, fires, floods, hazardous materials, landslides, pandemics, power outages, tsunamis, winter storms, recovery, and personal document tools.
Backcountry & Outdoor Survival3
For people hiking, camping, travelling rural Vancouver Island, or preparing for outdoor emergencies. Keep separate from food, shelter, poverty, homelessness, and crisis resources.
Cowichan Valley Amateur Radio Society / SARVAC Survival Materials
Backcountry survival resources, trip planning, trip essentials, travel tips, trip plans, and wallet survival cards.
Leave a Trip Plan
A trip plan should explain where you are going, your route, who is with you, what gear you have, and when you expect to return. Leave it with someone you trust. If you do not return, they can provide the trip plan to police or search and rescue.
Trip Essentials Checklist
Do not rely only on your phone. Cell service can fail in rural and backcountry areas.
- Map
- Compass
- Orange emergency bag
- Flashlight
- Spare batteries
- Extra food
- Extra water
- Rain gear
- Windproof clothing
- Toque
- Gloves
- Warm pants
- Proper footwear
- First aid kit
- Whistle
- Fully charged phone
- Backup battery
- Tell someone where you are going
Paid Gear / Books / Manuals2
Keep separate from free emergency help. These are retail / paid options.
Bucky’s Sport Shop
Paid local outdoor gear source for fishing, camping, archery, hunting supplies, and outdoor equipment. This is a retail store, not a free emergency service.
LAFA Brands
Optional source for survival books, manuals, and outdoor learning materials. This is not a social service or emergency support.
Emergency, Safety & Crisis9
In a life-threatening emergency, always call 911 first.
Emergency Services
Police, fire, ambulance — 24/7. Call for any immediate danger or medical emergency.
RCMP — North Cowichan / Duncan
24-hour policing for Duncan, North Cowichan, and the Cowichan Valley.
Somenos Transition House
Temporary shelter and support for women, transgender women, and non-binary people fleeing abuse or violence — with or without children. Pet-friendly room available.
Cowichan Women Against Violence Society
Counselling, advocacy, emergency shelter, and education for women and children affected by abuse and violence.
Community-based Victim Services
Crisis counselling, court support, referrals, forms, and third-party reporting for victims of family violence, sexual assault, and abuse.
PEACE Child & Youth Counselling
Free counselling for children and youth ages 4 to 18 exposed to family violence.
Stopping the Violence Counselling — Duncan
Long-term counselling for female survivors of family violence, sexual assault, or historical abuse.
Adult Abuse & Neglect Reporting — Central Island
Report possible abuse, neglect, or self-neglect of adults who cannot seek support on their own.
Temporary Winter Shelter — Duncan
Seasonal 24-hour low-barrier emergency shelter. Pets allowed. Wheelchair accessible. Operates until April 30.
Community Support & Services80
Official Guides & PDFs2
Official local survival and preparedness guides for Duncan and the Cowichan Valley.
Official Cowichan Street Survival Guide 2025
An official local survival resource compiled by the Cowichan Community Action Team and community partners. Includes meals, shelters, harm reduction, OPS, counselling, needle disposal boxes, pregnancy support, 2SLGBTQIA+ support, transportation, washrooms, foot care, employment, laundry, haircuts, phone access, internet, showers, health and dental care, pet care, legal support, ID replacement, disability assistance, bylaw information, complaints, and rights.
Cowichan Valley Emergency Preparedness Workbook
A practical workbook for creating a household emergency plan. Includes emergency comfort kits, reunion plans, family emergency plans, special-needs planning, emergency water and food, first aid, home supplies, pets, farm animals, earthquake response, evacuations, fires, floods, hazardous materials, landslides, pandemics, power outages, tsunamis, winter storms, recovery, and personal document tools.
2SLGBTQIA+ Support1
Transportation Help3
Call ahead to confirm eligibility, booking requirements, service area, and availability.
HandyDART
Wheelchair-friendly transportation throughout the Cowichan Valley for people with mobility barriers.
Freemasons Cancer Car Program
Transportation support for ambulatory passengers undergoing cancer treatment in Victoria.
Medical Transportation for Eligible First Nations
Local and out-of-town medical transportation may be available through Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre for eligible First Nations people.
Free Phone & Internet Access1
Availability may change. Call or visit during open hours to confirm.
Free Phone & Internet Locations
Places offering free phone or internet access in the Cowichan Valley.
- Duncan United Church
- Warmland Shelter
- Cowichan Tribes Outreach Team — donated phones for at-risk youth (call to confirm)
- Cowichan Library internet access
- Warmland Shelter internet access
My Rights / Legal Help8
This is general information only and is not legal advice. For legal advice, contact a qualified legal service or lawyer.
Know Your Rights
General rights information for people interacting with police or authorities.
- You can ask if you are free to leave.
- You have the right to know why you are being detained or arrested.
- You have the right to speak privately with a lawyer.
- You can ask for an officer’s name and badge number.
- You can ask why a search is happening.
- Strip searches must follow legal rules and privacy protections.
- You can report misconduct through proper complaint channels.
Aboriginal Courtworker / Native Courtworker (NCCABC)
Court information, advocacy, and cultural support for Indigenous people. For Indigenous Community Legal Workers in Duncan, call 250-748-1160.
RCMP Victim Services (police-based)
Support and referrals for victims of crime and trauma.
Family Justice Centre — Duncan
Help with family law matters such as parenting, support, and agreements.
Legal Aid
Legal aid applications, referrals, and legal information.
Community Policing & Engagement Society
Community policing programs and engagement.
Parents Legal Centre
Helps parents resolve child-protection matters with legal advice and support.
Family Advice Lawyers (Legal Aid BC)
Free legal advice for family law matters. Call the Duncan Legal Aid intake line to access this service.
ID, Tax Help & Medical Equipment6
Call ahead to confirm eligibility, appointment needs, and current availability.
ID Replacement — Service Canada
Help replacing government identification.
Income Tax Help — Cowichan Independent Living
Free or low-cost income tax help (Volunteer Income Tax Program, year-round).
Income Tax Help — Duncan United Church
Free or low-cost income tax help.
Income Tax Help — Salvation Army
Free income tax preparation for low-income individuals.
Income Tax Help — Warmland Shelter
Income tax help for residents and community members. Call ahead to confirm the tax program is currently running.
Medical Equipment Loans — Canadian Red Cross
Short-term loans of medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids.
More Youth Services7
Call ahead to confirm hours, eligibility, and current contact details.
Cowichan Tribes Youth Centre
Youth programs and supports connected to Cowichan Tribes.
Cowichan Valley Youth Services
Youth and family support services for youth ages 13–18.
Discovery Youth & Family Substance Use Services
Substance use support for youth and families.
House of Friendship
Community programs and supports for youth and families.
Margaret Moss Youth Clinic
Youth health clinic services. Youth drop-in Mon & Thu 1:30–4 pm.
Kwun’atsustul youth counselling
Culturally grounded youth counselling (Cowichan Tribes).
BeConnected Support Services
Support services for youth and families.
Employment Supports5
Call ahead to confirm eligibility, referrals, and current program availability.
Cowichan Valley Youth Services — Youth Employment Mentorship Program
Employment mentorship for youth ages 15–30.
CWAV Horizons Pre-Employment Program
Pre-employment program supporting people preparing for work. Ask for the Horizons program.
Quw’utsun Employment and Training
Employment and training for Cowichan Tribes members.
Cowichan Valley Basket Society
Employment and upgrading support.
WorkBC Centre — Duncan
Career development, employment, and self-employment programs.
Seniors & Disability Supports11
Seniors Support & Advocacy — Ladysmith Resources Centre
Free support for adults and seniors 55+ — health, finances, housing, transportation, safety, legal, government forms, peer counselling, tax help, medical transport.
Better at Home — Cowichan Valley
Non-medical support for seniors 65+ — light housekeeping, groceries, friendly visits, medical transport, resource navigation, and benefits help.
Better at Home — Duncan (Indigenous seniors)
Support for Indigenous seniors 65+ on or off reserve — housekeeping, groceries, friendly visits, minor home repairs, light yard work, snow shovelling.
Clements Centre Society
Programs for children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities — child development, adult day programs, adult residential services.
Community Living BC — Duncan Satellite
Coordinates services for adults with developmental disabilities, FASD, PDD/autism, and families providing care.
Meals on Wheels — Cowichan
Meal delivery and friendly check-ins for seniors and others needing support.
Park Place Seniors Living
Seniors housing, assisted living, residential care, and private pay beds.
Cowichan Independent Living
Support for seniors and people with disabilities to live independently.
Grandparents Support — Kinship Care Help Line
Support for grandparents and relatives raising or caring for a family member's children, through Parent Support Services Society of BC.
Mental Health & Substance Use Seniors Outreach Team
Outreach mental health and substance use support for seniors.
Volunteer Cowichan — Better at Home
Non-medical support for seniors including transportation, groceries, and friendly visits.
Children, Youth & Family Supports8
Youth Centre
Drop-in centre for youth ages 12–19 — advocacy, mentorship, computers, recreation, arts, games, lunch, and snacks.
Child Care Resource & Referral — Duncan
Child-care referrals, subsidy info, parent and provider support, workshops, and a toy/resource library.
MCFD — Duncan (Craig Street)
Child protection, child & youth mental health, family support, guardianship, adoption, and Indigenous services.
MCFD — Duncan (4th Street)
Child & youth mental health, youth justice, funding and benefits, disability, eating disorder, and substance use supports.
Kw’umut Lelum — Child & Family Services (Duncan)
Delegated Aboriginal agency supporting Aboriginal children, youth, and families through child protection and family support.
Kw’umut Lelum — Wellness Program (Duncan)
Free mental, physical, and emotional wellness support for First Nations children, youth, and families. Coast Salish workers and counsellors.
New Life Church — Moms Connect
Supportive space for mothers with preschool-aged children. Childcare provided.
Cob Oven Youth Program
Safe sober space for ages 18–30 with meals, art, games, food literacy, and life skills.
Indigenous Supports5
Kw’umut Lelum
Child protection, family support, Coast Salish cultural connection, and community wellbeing. Serves member Nations on and off reserve in Duncan and Nanaimo.
Indigenous Community Legal Workers — Duncan
Legal advice and help with family law, child protection, residential schools, housing, wills and estates, court support, forms, letters, negotiations, referrals.
Native Courtworker — Duncan
Support for Indigenous people in the criminal justice system — court information, advocacy, court accompaniment, and cultural support.
Better at Home — Duncan (Indigenous seniors 65+)
Non-medical daily support for Indigenous seniors.
M’akola Housing — Duncan
Affordable housing for Aboriginal families, singles, and couples.
Legal, Advocacy & Government Services10
Family Duty Counsel — Duncan
Family duty counsel for eligible low-income people representing themselves in family law matters.
Parents Legal Centre — Duncan
Helps parents resolve child-protection matters early and collaboratively — legal advice, mediation support, family case planning, referrals.
Legal Aid BC — Duncan Local Agent
Takes legal aid applications, refers eligible clients to lawyers, provides legal information and community referrals.
Poverty Law Advocacy
Advocacy for tenancy rights, income assistance, disability assistance, pensions, WorkSafeBC, financial matters, and public legal education.
Indigenous Community Legal Workers — Duncan
Legal help on family law, child protection, housing, wills/estates, court support and referrals for Indigenous community members.
Duncan Provincial & Supreme Court Services
Court registry and services for criminal, civil, family, traffic, and bylaw matters.
Crown Counsel Office — Duncan
Reviews police charge referrals, prosecutes cases, and contacts victims and witnesses with trial/sentencing information.
Duncan Community Corrections
Probation officers support people following court orders and connect them with community supports.
Service BC Centre — Duncan
BC government services — BC Hydro payments, certificates, business registration, child care subsidy, tenancy info, licenses, MSP, Legal Aid BC forms.
BC Employment & Assistance Office — Duncan
Income assistance, disability assistance, employment referrals, and online applications through My Self Serve.
Employment, Income, Debt & Newcomer Supports6
BC Employment & Assistance — Duncan
Income assistance and disability assistance.
ETHOS Career Management Group
Career development, employment, and self-employment programs through WorkBC.
Cowichan Intercultural Society
Settlement services, English classes, community outreach, counselling, youth programs, and Local Immigration Partnership.
Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants — Vancouver Island South
Employment support for skilled immigrants using pre-arrival skills, credentials, and experience. Serves Greater Victoria up to Duncan.
Credit Counselling — Victoria
Confidential credit counselling, debt repayment/consolidation, budget planning, workshops. Free by phone or in person.
Salvation Army — Free Tax Prep
Free income tax preparation for low-income individuals, emergency assistance, and vouchers.
Pet Support3
Better Together / Paws for Hope
Emotional and financial support for low-income families and individuals caring for pets — vet care assistance, spay/neuter, food, supplies, licensing, end-of-life grief.
Cowichan Valley Cat Rescue
Rescue, fostering, and adoption support for cats in the Cowichan Valley.
SPCA — Cowichan and District Branch
Animal care, adoption, and support for pets and their guardians.
Community, Municipal & Regional Services4
City of Duncan
Community planning, development, cultural services, bylaw enforcement, permits, licensing, public works, and emergency services.
Municipality of North Cowichan
Community planning, development, cultural services, bylaw enforcement, permits, licensing, public works, and emergency services.
Vancouver Island Regional Coroner
Investigates unnatural, sudden, unexpected, unexplained, or unattended deaths and makes recommendations to improve public safety.
Island/Coastal Regional Community Corrections
Regional community corrections administration office for communities including Duncan.
Duncan Food & Meal Resources
Meal programs, food hampers, home meal delivery, and community support in Duncan. Always call ahead if unsure.
Heads up: Program times and services can change. Please call ahead or check the organization’s website before going.
Cowichan Valley Basket Society — Duncan Foodbank
Dining Room Lunch
- Monday to Friday: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm
- Saturday: 11:00 am – 2:30 pm
Coffee & Pastries
- 8:30 am – 11:00 am
Notes
- Meals are also available for takeout.
- Food hampers: call between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm to ask a question or book a hamper appointment.
- Bread, fruit, and vegetables are available in the lobby after hampers are completed, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
New Life Church — Duncan
Community support programs for people and families in the Cowichan Valley. Nonprofit society and registered charity.
Family Dinner (Summer)
- Free weekly meal for families when school meal programs are closed.
- Wednesdays at 5:00 pm in July and August.
- Limited food hampers may also be available.
- On the last Wednesday of August, gently used clothing and shoes may be offered for back-to-school support.
Needs and Extras — Free Furniture
- Free gently used furniture for people in the Cowichan Valley struggling to furnish their homes.
- Also accepts furniture donations to redistribute.
Moms Connect
- Supportive space for moms with preschool-aged kids. Refreshments, discussion, crafts. Childcare provided.
- 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 11:30 am, September through June.
Office Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
Sunday Sandwiches
- Every Sunday and statutory holiday
- 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Critical Sunday food support. Try not to miss this if possible.
CVBS Food Hampers
CVBS’s own site has conflicting hamper hours.
Call between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm to ask a question or book a hamper appointment.
One page says:
Monday to Friday: 9:50 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday pre-order pickup
Monday to Friday: 9:50 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday pre-order pickup
FAQ says:
Tuesday to Friday: 9:50 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday by special arrangement
Tuesday to Friday: 9:50 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday by special arrangement
Call 250-746-1566 before going for a hamper. Monday to Friday 9:50 am to 12:30 pm — call to make an appointment.
Salvation Army Family Services
Emergency Food Hampers
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday
- 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Walk-in welcome
Street Packs
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday
- 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Available as needed
Call 250-746-8669 first if this is what you need.
Meals on the Ground
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday
- Doors open: 4:30 pm
- Meal at: 5:00 pm
Meals on Wheels — Paid Home Meal Delivery
Delivery Window
- Monday to Saturday: 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
- Sunday option: ask about the chilled or frozen meal option when registering
Current Price Guide
- Approximately $10 – $12.50 per meal
Who It Helps
- Registered clients who need regular home meal delivery
- Especially useful for seniors, people with disabilities, people recovering at home, and people who cannot reliably travel to meal programs
- Delivery area includes Duncan, Cobble Hill, and Mill Bay; other Cowichan locations may have a waitlist
This is a paid, pre-arranged meal delivery service — not a walk-up free meal. Call on weekdays, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, to ask about registration.
Third Place Café
- Fridays: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
- Coffee, tea, and home baking
- Closed in July and August
Duncan United Church Community Dinner
- 5:00 pm monthly in Heritage Hall
- Conflicting information: second Sunday or third Sunday of the month
Call 250-746-6043 to confirm the exact Sunday.
Duncan Christian Reformed Church
- Free hot meal on the last Saturday of the month at 5:00 pm
- Skips December and one summer month
- Not in July or December, according to the local guide
Kin Park Pantry
Public pantry with fruit, vegetables, bread, canned goods, and personal health products.
No set hours listed. Check whenever nearby.
Food Hamper Strategy
| Resource | Best Time | What To Do | Use For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVBS Hampers | Tuesday–Friday mornings, 9:50 am – 12:30 pm | Call between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm to ask questions or book a hamper appointment. | Build a food base. |
| CVBS Hamper Items | Once per cycle | Save longer-lasting items. | Canned food, dry food, shelf-stable food. |
| Salvation Army Street Packs | Monday / Wednesday / Friday, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm | Pick up portable food if needed. Call 250-746-8669. | Emergency packets, street packs, portable food, energy backup. |
| Meals on Wheels | Register by phone on weekdays, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Delivery is Monday to Saturday, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm. | Call 250-732-6791 or email mow@cowichangreencommunity.org. Ask about registration, dietary needs, delivery area, Sunday chilled/frozen meal option, and the current price. | Regular paid home supper delivery, especially for seniors, disabled people, homebound people, or people who cannot reliably reach public meal programs. |
Duncan Food, Meals, Clothing, Furniture & Family Support
A fast-scan list of where to go for the most common needs. Call ahead or check the organization’s website before going — times and services can change.
🍽️ Free Meals
- Cowichan Valley Basket Society — Lunch · 250-746-1566 · Mon–Fri 11:00 am – 3:30 pm, Sat 11:00 am – 2:30 pm
- CVBS — Sunday Sandwiches · Sundays & stat holidays, 12:00 – 1:00 pm, backyard tent
- Duncan United Church — Community Dinner · 250-746-6043 · 3rd Sunday monthly, 5:00 pm, Heritage Hall
- Duncan United — Meals on the Ground · Mon/Wed/Fri 5:00 pm, Burns Hall (Sept–June)
- New Life Church — Family Dinner · 250-748-6521 · Wednesdays 5:00 pm in July & August
📦 Food Hampers & Emergency Food
- CVBS — Grocery Hampers · 250-746-1566 · Call to book pickup, Mon–Fri 10:00 am – 12:15 pm. Bring BC government ID + proof of address. No proof of income required.
- CVBS — Saturday pre-ordered pickup · 10:00 am – 12:30 pm (phone 1–2 days ahead)
- Salvation Army — Emergency Food Hampers · 250-746-8669 · Walk-ins welcome, Mon–Fri 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Salvation Army — Christmas Hampers · seasonal program
- New Life Church — Limited Summer Hampers · alongside July/August Family Dinner
🛟 Street / Unhoused Support
- Salvation Army — Street Packs · 250-746-8669 · Mon–Fri 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Non-perishable food + water.
- Duncan United — Meals on the Ground · Mon/Wed/Fri 5:00 pm (Sept–June)
- CVBS — Sunday Sandwiches · Sundays & stat holidays, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
- CVBS — A Place To Be warming space · Mon–Sat 8:30 am – 4:00 pm, November through March
- CVBS hampers for unhoused · distributed every 14 days
👕 Clothing, Furniture & Household Help
- New Life Church — Needs and Extras · 250-748-6521 · Free gently used furniture. Donations accepted.
- Duncan United Church — Thrift Store · 250-746-6043 · Fridays 9:00 am – 1:30 pm. Low-cost clothing, household goods, furniture.
- New Life Church — Back-to-School Clothing · last Wednesday of August. Gently used clothing & shoes.
- Salvation Army Thrift Store · 250-746-7032 · Ask Community & Family Services about clothing/furnishing vouchers.
👨👩👧 Family & Parent Support
- New Life Church — Moms Connect · 250-748-6521 · 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 10:00 – 11:30 am (Sept–June). Childcare provided.
- New Life Church — Family Dinner · Wednesdays 5:00 pm, July & August. Free meal for families.
🧭 How to Use This Section
- Call ahead when possible.
- Bring ID if required (BC government ID + proof of address for CVBS hampers).
- Ask what is available that day.
- If you are unhoused, ask directly about street packs, meals, warming space, clothing, and food hampers.
- If one place cannot help, ask for a referral to another local program.