There is heightened concern for vulnerable women and children in the Comox Valley during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Comox Valley Transition Society executive director Heather Ney said the current situation is making victims of domestic violence feel all the more isolated.
Ney said the society is there for them.
“We do have lots of people calling, we do have beds available at Lilli House that we’re keeping open for those who are in immediate danger and need to immediately flee violence,” Ney said.
Lilli House offers 14 beds in nine bedrooms and an average of 300 women and children stay there every year.
She said victims of domestic violence can call the 24-hour crisis line at 250-338-1227.
You can do your part by donating toiletries, perishable food items and cash.
The pandemic is changing the way the society operates, which adds to the challenge, Ney said: “We’re having to implement all kinds of really stringent protocols around physical distancing and what-not. And there are some of our staff who are forced to stay home now because of their own vulnerabilities and childcare. Our costs are increasing because of overtime and different things like that so cash (donations are) always good.”
Moving forward, the society now has a shower program for the homeless at the Lewis Centre and could use donations of gently used and new towels.
While the office is closed to the public, you can leave donations at its door at 625 England Avenue. The office number is 250-897-0511.
Donations to the Too Good To Be Threw store are also on hold until the crisis ends.
However, Ney said if you can hold onto them, the society will gratefully accept donations once their thrift store’s doors open again.
“I know lots of people are probably finding some time to clean their closets and sort their doors, and gathering things that would be great for donations,” she said. “We will be happy to take them once this is over.”
You can find out more about the society here.
