AHERO (Ad Hoc Emergency Resource Organization) publishes two guides for the Comox Valley community: Large AHERO Guide provides a comprehensive list of resources and support including: homelessness and risk of being unhoused, emergency/ crisis, employment, food, health care, legal, First Nations, Metis, Inuit and more. The Shorter AHERO Guide is a condensed, easy to print/ carry version of the larger one.

The Comox Valley Early Years Collaborative (CVEYC) helps reduce poverty by strengthening resources for families with young children, ensuring equitable access to services, and fostering collaboration among community partners. By raising awareness, hosting inclusive events like the Early Years Fair, and advocating for the early years community (including campaigning for affordable and expanded $10-a-day childcare), CVEYC works to create a stronger, more resilient community where no family is left behind. Learn more at https://cveyc.ca

Located at 1255 McPhee Ave., Courtenay, the Comox Valley Food Bank provides free and supplementary food to individuals and families throughout the Comox Valley. Services are barrier-free (all you need to register is picture ID), and are open to clients on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 to1:00 PM. https://ComoxValleyFoodBank.ca

This society was formed in 1996 to promote social planning as a process to create a healthy and inclusive Comox Valley. This group provides support to local governments, community organizations and individuals in areas of equity, accessibility, living wage and support for marginalized populations, all of which are intended to reduce poverty. Some examples of work include: Support to the Regional Accessibility Committee; Hire people with Disabilities to conduct Accessibility Audits in the Comox Valley; Support Comox Valley local governments, organizations and businesses to develop policies through an equity lens; Calculate the Comox Valley Living Wage annually and encourage CV businesses to become Living Wage employers. https://cvsocialplanning.ca/

Hornby Denman Health offers a variety of services to support the health and wellbeing of islanders including mental health and substance use outreach and counselling and services to assist seniors to remain living in their own homes and community. All services are at no cost or on a sliding scale. https://hornbydenmanhealth.com

The IWC contributes to poverty reduction by providing free, client-centered support to immigrants and refugees as they settle and build their lives in the North Vancouver Island region. Through services such as English language support, information and referrals, and community engagement, they help to reduce systemic barriers and promote economic and social inclusion. “We envision a community that embraces diversity and inclusivity and where newcomers feel welcome, safe, and respected.” https://immigrantwelcome.ca

The IWSS addresses poverty by tackling its direct causes—trauma, substance use, and homelessness— through its Indigenous-led Unbroken Chain harm reduction program. The program saves lives, provides crucial case management and resource navigation for those experiencing deep poverty, and connects them to essential services like housing and health care. The Indigenous Women's Sharing Society (IWSS) is also the designated coordinator for the Comox Valley Substance Use Strategy (CVSUS) Collaborative. Ultimately, IWSS promotes long-term stability and healing by using cultural activities (like sharing and healing circles) to rebuild social connectedness and personal resilience. Indigenous Womens Sharing Society

LUSH Programs Include: Good Food Boxes, Fruit Tree and Farm Gleaning, Community Gardens, Community Kitchen Workshops, Healthy Student Meal & Hot Meal Programs (through Community Partnerships), and the Grow Food Everywhere group on FB. https://lushvalley.org or email: support@lushvalley.org