🏠 Shelter & Housing in Duncan and the Cowichan Valley
Emergency shelters, youth shelter, and housing support in Duncan and the Cowichan Valley. Call ahead when possible — space and intake can change.
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.
Directory presentation updated: October 10, 2026. Previous recorded content date: May 30, 2026. Individual service details still require verification.
🏠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.
Verification needed — no individual source-check date recorded. Call ahead to confirm details.
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.
Verification needed — no individual source-check date recorded. Call ahead to confirm details.
📝 Call City of Duncan Bylaw or North Cowichan Bylaw to confirm current rules.
⚠️ Needs verification — call to confirm before relying on this.
🛏️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.
Verification needed — no individual source-check date recorded. Call ahead to confirm details.
24 transitional housing units for people who have difficulty finding stable housing. Minimal-barrier. Apply via BC Housing Supportive Housing Registry or shelter staff.
Verification needed — no individual source-check date recorded. Call ahead to confirm details.