CMHA Cowichan Valley Branch Hosts ‘Winter Wear Fair’ at Warmland House

It is estimated that there are well over 300 persons in the Cowichan Valley that are homeless or marginally housed (ie couch surfing, living in vehicles, etc). Some sleep rough on the street or in temporary outdoor camps, some use the Warmland House Shelter or the Women’s Shelter operated by CWAV, and others have found temporary shelter through the Cowichan Housing Association’s temporary hotel or tiny homes projects.

To support these individuals, the CMHA Cowichan Valley Branch has spent the last several weeks collecting gently used coats, boots, shoes, socks and other items to distribute at Warmland House Shelter (2579 Lewis St) on Thursday, October 21^st.

With the help of community groups including the New Life Church, the Community Farm Store and JuiceFM, several collections were held leading up to this event. The generosity of the community is being demonstrated this week as the event now includes lunch - free hot dogs and warm drinks provided by the Knights of Columbus – as well as free haircuts being provided by a group of hairdressers from Hair at 60 Queens Studio. A grant from the the United Way Central and Northern Island will supply backpacks and other items. Regularly scheduled foot care is also being provided that day.

Posters and leaflets (sample below) have been distributed by community outreach teams and have been shared with Lookout Society, the Cowichan Basket Society, CWAV Women’s Shelter, Cowichan Tribes, Cowichan Action Team Peers, and the Meals on the Ground.

Gates will be open from 10:30am - 1:30pm. COVID precautions are in place. Masks and social distancing will be required, and only a few people will be permitted into the courtyard at one time. Items will be distributed and haircuts provided on a first come, first served basis.