They cost about $30,000 to build & include a small kitchen, toilet, sleeping area, closet & covered deck. The WeCan Shelter Society was born out of not only need but passion and caring for people in the Comox Valley. In 2019 Charlene Davis, then President of the Comox Rotary Club, had a vision for an affordable housing idea. Along with her fellow Rotary club members and her dedicated family, they created the very first WeCan Shelter home for approximately $25,000. Each home contains a small kitchen with sink, fridge and breakfast bar eating area, a toilet, shower, small closet and sleeping area along with an outside covered deck to extend the living area. These homes (now working on #12) are located at Maple Pool Campground in Courtenay. We have an extremely dedicated team of volunteers that put these units together. Starting with a 20 X 8 foot Seacan these units are built, insulated and then each unit is finished in a unique way. They are provided for those in need for a user fee of $100 / month and $375 a month pad rental to Maple Pool Campground. Power and internet are approximately $25/month. Each unit has base board heating and hot water. Our average cost per unit is approximately $30,000 and that does not include the in-kind donations we receive from companies such as Modern Doors and Modern Windows, Integra Homes, Lifetime Exterior Shades and Home Hardware in Courtenay. There’s a long list of others that supply building products and services to help us in our efforts. Other companies and individuals make donations to us because they believe in
providing the unhoused with a warm, safe, dry place to call home. In 2021 the WeCan Shelter Society was incorporated under the BC Societies Act and a board was formed most of whom still remain today. In 2022 we received our charitable tax status to issue tax receipts for donations. We do not receive any government funding and operate on the kindness of people with big hearts. All our units (12 in total) have been built with donations and loads of volunteer time. Our 2024 AGM was held on August 12 and the following board were all Re-elected
President – Charlene Davis
Vice President – Tom Grant
Treasurer – Ann Scott
Secretary – Sue Finneron
Lori Ball
Stan Gaskarth
Dave Warara
