The Victoria Cool Aid Society, in collaboration with key partners, is putting the finishing touches on one of its most transformative projects to date.
Crosstown, a unique mixed-use community designed to support some of Victoria’s most vulnerable individuals, will welcome its first residents in early 2025. However, additional support is needed to ensure the project reaches its full potential.
“Crosstown has been years in the making, and it represents a holistic approach to addressing a variety of challenges facing marginalized residents of Victoria,” says Cool Aid's director of philanthropy and community engagement, Alyson Dahl. “By combining supportive and affordable housing, along with health care and other essential services, we’re creating a space where people can not only survive but thrive."
Located at 584 Burnside Rd. E, Crosstown will add 154 homes to the area, including 54 supportive housing units and 100 affordable (low-end-of-market) units. Beyond housing, the development features a second health centre (the Dr. Joe Haegert Community Health Centre), a daycare centre operated by Beacon Community Services, a commercial kitchen, and other amenities designed to foster connection and opportunity.
The Crosstown capital campaign is hoping to raise a final $1.5 million to ensure the vision for Crosstown is fully realized. Funds will ensure that Cool Aid can properly outfit and fund the health centre and fully implement holistic wellness programs.
Make your donation online today at coolaid.org/crosstown!
Don't miss the Crosstown Community Open House on Dec. 3, Giving Tuesday!
Cool Aid is inviting the public to experience Crosstown firsthand at a special open house on Dec. 3 from 3 to 6 p.m. This event offers an inside look at the innovative and diverse programs and services available at this unique project. Reserve your spot online today!
Attendees can look forward to...
- Guided tours of the facilities
- Shopping at the Keep it Cool Art Market (featuring client art: cash only)
- Live music by Cool Aid residents and staff
- Light refreshments
“The open house is a fantastic opportunity for our generous supporters and curious community members to learn about Crosstown and the positive impact it will soon have in our community,” Dahl says.
A holistic approach to wellness
At the heart of Crosstown is the Dr. Joe Haegert Community Health Centre, which will provide trauma-informed care and address complex health challenges like substance use disorders, mental health, and chronic illnesses. Dahl adds that offering supportive onsite health care directly to Crosstown residents will also help relieve some of the pressure on local walk-in clinics and emergency rooms.
Crosstown will also help foster community connections, personal growth, and dispel stigma through its mixed-use model. It will be a safe and inclusive environment where residents and neighbours can develop deeper connections and a stronger sense of community overall.
“The focus here is on wellness and empowerment,” Dahl adds. “By providing a range of programs and services, Crosstown is helping residents build a foundation for healthier, more self-sufficient lives. It’s a project we’re immensely proud of and we're excited to showcase it to our dedicated supporters and the local community.”
To learn more about Crosstown or support Cool Aid’s mission, visit the open house on Dec. 3 or make a donation online today! Find more information online at coolaid.org or on the Victoria Cool Aid Society's Facebook page.