There is a way back.
“I didn’t even know if he was alive.” Jennifer, Joe’s daughter.
There was a time when Joe’s daughters didn’t even know if he was alive.
They didn’t know where he was sleeping, whether he was safe, or how to find him. Every day they didn’t hear from him, they worried. And they stopped imagining that things might change.
Then things did change.
With a stable place to call home and people supporting him along the way, Joe began rebuilding his life. After inital treatment for substance use, he moved into Johnson Manor, Cool Aid’s first recovery home, where 20 men get up to two years to heal and rebuild their lives. With a safe place to live and people in his corner, Joe found stability and a path to a new life.
And for Joe, that path led to more than a home. It paved the way back to his daughters and grandchildren.
Today, Joe makes breakfast in his own kitchen. He lives in community with other residents and he volunteers in the community. On weekends, he spends time with his family.
These might seem like small moments. But they’re what having a life—and getting it back—can look like.
For Joe’s family, the small moments mean everything.
At Cool Aid, we know that lasting change doesn’t come from one service alone. It comes from stable housing, accessible health care, nutritious food, connection, and compassionate support — working together. Your generosity helps make that continuum of care possible for people across Greater Victoria.
Why your gift matters
For people facing homelessness, poverty, and complex health challenges, the barriers can feel overwhelming. Your donation helps remove those barriers one person at a time.
Your support helps us:
- Provide safe, supportive housing where people can stabilize, recover, and rebuild their lives
- Deliver barrier-free medical, dental, and mental health care for people who would otherwise go without
- Offer nutritious meals and basic needs, restoring health and dignity
- Support recovery, wellness, and community connection, reducing isolation and helping people move forward
This is not short-term relief. It’s long-term, people-centred solutions.
Your generosity creates real impact
Every day, donors like you help someone sleep safely indoors, see a doctor or dentist, enjoy a healthy meal, or take a meaningful step toward recovery.
Whether it’s a first night in stable housing, consistent access to health care, support for seniors aging safely in their homes, or the help needed to stay housed — your gift meets people where they are and helps them move forward.
Ways to give
One-time donation
Make an immediate impact today.
Monthly giving
Provide reliable, ongoing support that helps us plan, respond, and sustain critical programs year-round.
Tribute & legacy giving
Honour someone special or create a lasting legacy that supports future generations.
Corporate & workplace giving
Partner with Cool Aid to strengthen our community together.
All donations over $20 are eligible for a tax receipt.
Give with confidence
Cool Aid has been part of this community since 1968. We are trusted to use donations responsibly, efficiently, and where they are needed most — ensuring your generosity has the greatest possible impact.
Help the next person find their path home.
Give by December 31, 2026 and your gift will be doubled.
Your gift does more than fund programs.
It restores dignity.
It supports healing.
It helps people rebuild their lives with stability, care, and a real path forward.