In June 2024, the Minister of Children and Family Development Grace Lore and Cowichan Mental Health Association - Cowichan Valley Branch along with the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions announced plans to establish a Youth Emergency Shelter with the YES pilot project. I am pleased to announce that a safe space for the most vulnerable youth in the Cowichan Valley is not only a reality today, but will become a legacy for years to come. This dream was made possible by CMHA-CVB Directors and its Executive Director, along with the incredible support of 100’s of local community members volunteering their time, resources, and donations through the CMHA-CVB’s annual Coldest Night of the Year campaign. A total of $204,471.74 was raised in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and those funds were used as a down payment to purchase a home.
This initiative is indicative of the Cowichan Valley supporting our youth. In addition to the money from Coldest Night of the Year and pilot project funding from the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions and the Ministry of Children and Family Development, we are thrilled to announce the receipt of a significant donation from the Mischa Weisz Foundation in the amount of $450,000.00. These funds will allow CMHA-CVB to pay off the mortgage and contribute to the purchasing of a van to provide outreach to youth in Duncan and outlying communities within the CVRD. This is a significant legacy donation that will help to transform the lives of our most vulnerable young people.
With respectful recognition that the Youth Emergency Shelter is located in the Cowichan Valley on Quwutsun lands, and with respect 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 a fitting Hulqiminum word, ‘Lelum’, meaning home.
“The Mischa Weisz Foundation has been supporting our unhoused youth by providing a grant that has been delivering food and making critical connections over the past three years. Mischa was an entrepreneur whose life was, sadly, cut short. Deeply grounded in his life values, Mischa believed that youth are our future and that we should invest in them if we want to make the world a better place. He also believed that while people may be trapped in unfortunate circumstances, or disadvantaged by complex factors, all of us have potential within us,” says his brother Guido Weisz. Mischa created the Mischa Weisz Foundation which has been co-managed by his brother Guido since his passing.
“The creation of this home is reflective of our collective strength as a community, wisdom as an organization, as well as the unwavering care and concern for those we serve” says Laurie Harding CMHA-CVB Board President. “The humanity, generosity, and creativity of all the people who work and volunteer at CMHA-CVB has been truly inspiring and demonstrates that we truly can make a difference together when the barriers to health and wellness are incredibly hard to overcome. Through a commitment to supporting a healthier community, it is our hope that our actions clearly demonstrate that “Everyone Matters”. This past year has strengthened and magnified our belief in the power of hope. As we strengthen our foundation of caring, kindness, and compassion, we have learned that by standing together there is hope because “Once you choose hope, anything is possible”. We cannot do this work alone, and we are extremely grateful to community partners who have supported our work by walking with us, volunteering, and through generous donations. Thank you as well to MCFD, MMHA, Guido Weisz, and all of you here today for working collaboratively with us. Through our partnerships, we demonstrate that “We are Better Standing Together” and that our youth matter”.
Through a collaborative community call to action, a clear disconnect in youth emergency shelter services was identified in our community.
The Youth Emergency Shelter is a crucial initiative in providing a safe, supportive environment for our community’s most vulnerable young people. The importance of the Youth Emergency Shelter emphasizes reducing risk using an approach that highlights strengths, solutions, permanency needs, and meaningful connections with youth from a trauma informed service model lens. Several youths who have visited the Youth Emergency Shelter have echoed the essence of the programs purpose. “Wow, this is house, and it feels like a home” – youth aged 16. Additionally, another youth noted the comforts of the bedrooms stating “I can come and stay in a real bedroom with a real bed, some of the beds are huge” -youth aged 17. Lastly, an excited youth commented on the program’s amenities joyfully exclaiming, “you have a gym in here, when can I use it?” youth aged 17. These quotes and remarks provide a small sample snapshot of the potential of the Youth Emergency Shelter.
The planning team that dedicated years to the making of this project includes:
Back Row: Lorena Jenkins, Douglas Hardie, Marcia Hower, Cindy Lise, Colleen Davis
Front Row: Catharine Berghuis, Lise Haddock, Jeff Rowan, Zoe Lauckner, Erin Kapella
Background
Youth aged 15 to 18 years who are in crisis, or at risk of harm or homelessness, will have supports delivered by the Cowichan YES. This program will provide critical connections to additional supports and will be available day and night for youth in need. Currently there are 3 bedrooms available.
The Youth Emergency Shelter is a 24/7 therapeutic community-based crisis service based in Duncan that provides a temporary safe placement (1 to 14 days) for youth that are experiencing homelessness, or unstable/precarious living situations, and are in need of a temporary placement and support services. The Youth Emergency Shelter consists of three essential elements: overnight shelter, drop-in day programming, and outreach services. Community partners will provide wraparound supports to youth accessing the YES 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 it fits their needs.
The YES program is a result of efforts led by the Cowichan Youth at Home Team: a partnership organization made up of members from the CMHA Cowichan Valley Branch, Cowichan Tribes, Cowichan Valley School District, Cowichan Valley Youth Services, Island Health Population and Public Health, Our Communities Health Network, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, and the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions. We are grateful to our community partners for their collective commitment and hard work in making a safe space a reality. Together we are making a difference because we believe that “Every Child Matters”.
We are excited to add the Cowichan Valley Youth Emergency Shelter to our youth-centred services. CMHA-CVB is committed to meeting the needs of youth by ensuring that they are safe and supported – the opening of this home is reflective of our collective belief that “We are better standing together”.