If you or someone you know is in need of emergency shelter in Victoria, it's essential to know how to contact the city's 24/7 shelter support.
City
Shelter Name
Address
Phone Numbers
Last Update
Beds
Gender
Age Range
Intake Info
Notes
Victoria
Arbutus Shelter
2915 Douglas Street
250-360-0093 or 250-360-0182
Aug 22 11:30
N/A
All
19+
Sign up at 8 am; beds assigned at 5 pm
Victoria
Rock Bay Landing Emergency Shelter
535 Ellice Street
250-383-1951
Aug 21 11:33
N/A
All
19+
Call after 3 pm for availability
24hr shelter
Victoria
St. John the Divine Anglican Church Shelter
1611 Quadra Street
250-383-7169 ext 226
Aug 19 08:38
N/A
All
19+
Open 9 pm - 8 am
Pets allowed
Victoria
Salvation Army ARC
525 Johnson Street
250-384-3396 Local 1
Aug 22 11:30
0
Male
19+
Call for intake
Victoria
KEYS Kiwanis Emergency Youth Shelter
2117 Vancouver Street
250-386-8282
Aug 22 11:30
8Y
All
13-18
24hrs. Intake criteria must be met
Victoria
Our Place Shelter
919 Pandora Ave
250-388-7112 local 222
Aug 22 11:30
34
All
19+
Sign up in person at the front desk; arrive by 8:30 pm
Open 7:30 pm - 6:20 am
Victoria
Out of the Rain Youth Shelter
1450 Elford Street
250-415-3856 (during shelter hours)
Jun 21 23:29
N/A
All
15-25
Open 9 pm - 8 am
Victoria
Victoria Native Friendship Centre
231 Regina Street
250-384-3211 VFNC office
Mar 23 07:55
N/A
All
19+
Call 250-380-8355 for pre-registration 2-7 pm daily
Open 8 pm - 7 am
Victoria
Sandy Merriman
809 Burdett Avenue
250-480-1408
Aug 22 11:30
0
Female
19+
24hr. Self-identified women
Victoria
Daytime Warming Centre - SOLID outreach
926 Pandora Ave
778-751-8296
May 9 13:29
N/A
All
All
Open 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Meals and snacks
This guide provides all the necessary information, including phone numbers, shelter locations, intake procedures, and tips for successfully securing a spot in one of Victoria's shelters.
Contact Methods for Victoria's 24/7 Shelter Support
Phone Support
Victoria's Shelter and Street Help Line (Dial 2-1-1):
This is the primary point of contact for all shelter-related inquiries in Victoria. It’s a 24/7 service that can provide up-to-date information on shelter availability, intake procedures, and other resources for those in need.
Tips: When calling, be prepared with information such as your current location, age, and any specific needs (e.g., gender-specific shelter, pet-friendly shelter).
Direct Shelter Contact
Arbutus Shelter
Address: 2915 Douglas Street, Victoria
Phone: 250-360-0093 or 250-360-0182
Intake: Sign up at 8 am; beds assigned at 5 pm.
Note: No age or gender restrictions.
Rock Bay Landing Emergency Shelter
Address: 535 Ellice Street, Victoria
Phone: 250-383-1951
Intake: Call after 3 pm for availability.
Note: 24-hour shelter; all genders accepted.
St. John the Divine Anglican Church - Seasonal Shelter
Address: 1611 Quadra Street, Victoria
Phone: 250-383-7169 ext 226
Intake: Open 9 pm - 8 am.
Note: Well-behaved pets allowed.
Email Support
Shelter and Street Help Line Email: help@bc211.ca
For non-urgent inquiries or additional information about shelter services in Victoria, you can send an email. Responses may take some time, so it's recommended to use this method for general questions rather than emergency situations.
In-Person Support
You can also visit the shelters directly during their intake hours. It’s recommended to arrive early as spots may fill up quickly.
Tips for Contacting Shelter Support
Prepare Information: Have details like your current situation, specific needs (e.g., gender-specific shelters, medical requirements), and any identification documents ready.
Be Persistent: If you are unable to reach someone on the first try, call back or try another shelter.
Understand Intake Procedures: Many shelters have specific intake times or procedures, so it's important to understand these and plan accordingly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Long Wait Times: During peak hours, you may experience long wait times. It’s best to call as early as possible or during off-peak hours.
Unanswered Emails: If you do not receive a response within a reasonable time, it’s advisable to follow up with a phone call.
Unavailable Beds: If the shelter you contact is full, ask if they can refer you to another nearby shelter or if they have any alternative solutions.
FAQ
What should I do if a shelter is full?
Call the Shelter and Street Help Line (Dial 2-1-1) to get information about other available shelters or alternative resources.
Can I bring my pet to a shelter?
Some shelters, like St. John the Divine Anglican Church - Seasonal Shelter, allow well-behaved pets. It’s best to ask about pet policies when contacting the shelter.
What time should I call for shelter availability?
It varies by shelter. For Rock Bay Landing Emergency Shelter, it’s recommended to call after 3 pm.
Conclusion
Victoria offers various shelters that provide essential services to those in need. By understanding how to contact these shelters, you can ensure that you or your loved ones have access to a safe place to stay. Remember to use the Shelter and Street Help Line (Dial 2-1-1) as your primary resource for real-time shelter availability and information.
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