Since April of 2025, youth aged 15 to 18 years who are in crisis, or at risk of harm or homelessness, have access to critical supports delivered by Mischa Lelum, the new Cowichan Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) open day and night for youth in need.

The Youth Emergency Shelter is a 24/7 therapeutic community-based crisis service in Duncan that provides a temporary safe placement (one to 14 days) for youth who are experiencing homelessness, or unstable/precarious living situations, and are in need of a temporary placement and support services. Currently there are three bedrooms available. YES consists of three essential elements:  drop-in day programming, outreach services and overnight shelter.

1. Drop-in Day: provides a safe and accessible environment at the YES location for youth to visit and participate in voluntary programming to the degree they wish. This programming offers a supervised area for youth to connect, including through activities, workshops, and one-on-one support for youth arranged by the Service Provider.
2. Outreach Service: provides mobile support services that meets youth in their location and focuses on those that might not otherwise access MCFD or other community services. YES Outreach Services intends to build relationships and trust as well as act as a potential pathway to services with community partners.
3. Overnight: Provides 24/7 culturally safe, short term accommodation to youth on an emergency basis when no other safe living arrangement is readily available for up to 2 weeks. The YES overnight service is a low-barrier service that allows youth to meet immediate needs for shelter, crisis intervention and safety while working with youth and family care plans.

This dream was made possible by CMHA-CVB, the Cowichan Youth At Home Team and the incredible support of hundreds of local community members volunteering their time, resources, and donations through our annual Coldest Night of the Year campaigns. Approximately $204,000 was raised between 2022 and 2024 through the CMHA-CVB campaigns and those funds were used as a down payment to purchase a home, which has been transformed into this vital shelter space for youth.

Recognizing with respect that YES Cowichan is located on Quw'utsun lands, and for the generous donation by the Mischa Weisz Foundation, the name Mischa Lelum has been chosen to recognize both the legacy of Mischa Weisz and because “Lelum” is a fitting Hulqiminum word meaning home.

Community partners will provide wraparound supports to youth accessing the shelter and will work together to ensure youth receive the resources and assistance they require. Youth will be involved in the design and implementation of the programs to ensure those fit their needs.

For more information, please call:

• Day and Overnight (250) 732-8415
• Mobile Outreach- (250) 732-7264
• Email [email protected]

Please feel free download the media release from April 4, 2025. 

Updated June 24, 2025