Emergency Shelter Initiative for the Unhoused

For a second year in a row, there will be a limited Extreme Weather Response (EWR) for the unhoused population in the Greater Victoria area, estimates are that over 150 unsheltered people will be exposed to the elements during this winter season. At the same time, the city’s shelters continue to run at half capacity, as a result of ongoing Provincial Health Orders related to the pandemic. 

Due to these systemic challenges, a diverse group of community members are organizing a supplemental grassroots emergency response initiative called Community Alliance for Sheltering Alternatives (CASA). The CASA volunteer team will be facilitating the installation of short-term sheltering solutions within Greater Victoria via an inexpensive sheltering structure called a Conestoga Hut. 

Conestoga Huts offer a successful model that are used in cities across the USA, including Eugene, Oregon, where over 200 Conestoga Huts provide temporary shelter. For more information, see: Community Supported Shelters 

“This is a no-brainer for us as it fits our mission of providing shelter and supportive services to older persons and others in need." - Steve Chadick, former administrator of Eugene Village

The CASA team is asking private citizens, businesses, churches, and NGOs to consider contributing to this emergency response action. We are currently looking for all of the following: 

1. Property owners willing to host a single Conestoga Hut on hardscape for a predetermined amount of time, preferably on a location with close access to a public washroom 

2. Small financial donations to build one or more conestoga huts, which cost approximately $4,000 to build 

3. Groups of four volunteers, over 18 years of age, to work as “settlement support” teams for the resident of a conestoga hut 

The idea is to start small — with one hut to shelter one person — and scale it up over time, in collaboration with diverse community stakeholders and government organizations, to create alternatives to camping in parks and sleeping rough. Our immediate goal is to raise $4000 to fund construction of the first hut, and to find a property owner to provide the location. 

“With another cold winter coming, we have to try something new to support the people living rough on Victoria's streets. Conestoga Huts are a proven model that work in other cities. I fully support building a prototype Conestoga Hut that can be used to inspire a new model of shelter to address the crisis of homelessness across the region.”  - Calen McNeil, Big Wheel Community Foundation

“I've gotten to know Alex (featured in the promotional video below) over the last few months. With winter coming, vulnerable individuals like Alex deserve a dry, secure place to live. The Conestoga Hut is a proven solution to supporting people living rough. Why shouldn't we try them in Victoria? It's time we stop talking about this crisis, and do something about it.” - Rob Reid, New Balance Victoria & Frontrunners 

This is the link to our promotional video:
Homeless Man Says A Conestoga Hut For Christmas Would Mean Everything 

Please donate to this campaign to make this Emergency Shelter Initiative for the Unhoused a reality.

If you are interested in getting involved as a contributor to the CASA program, please leave a message in the comments.

Thank you for taking the time to consider supporting this issue and making Victoria a safer and more equitable place for everyone. 

The CASA Volunteer Team

Krista Loughton 
Matt Dell 
Jeremy Caradonna