Meet resident Gail and staffer Mike talk about how Victoria Cool Aid Society's Desmond House is helping low-income residents learn about living together and moving ahead.

Desmond House is a 27-unit Single Room Occupancy (SRO) building that was purchased by BC Housing in 2007, and is now operated by Cool Aid. Residents have access to a single private room with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. The tenants take great pride in their surroundings and have worked with the staff to create a strong, healthy community that is based on cooperation and respect for each other. The staff promote recreational activities and other opportunities for socialization, and ensure that the building remains a safe and clean environment.

This story provided courtesy of Shaw TV Victoria. Shaw videos are interviews with Cool Aid staff and clients. Cool Aid worked closely with Shaw to determine the subjects of the short pieces and Cool Aid lined up all the interviews for the shoots.