It was founded in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, in 1968 as an emergency hostel for transient youth.
This led to the idea of a hostel and an emergency-oriented, crisis intervention service, run by youth.
[3] Between 1970 and 1976 Cool Aid evolved into a more serious and adult run organization operating a shelter and medical clinic.
[4] In 1976 the organization was formally incorporated as the Victoria Cool Aid Society.
Over the following years and decades Cool Aid has expanded its shelter facilities and increased the range of services to include medical and dental, counseling, employment and a community center which promotes healthy living.