Plans are in the works for a new support centre for homeless people in Nanaimo, the province announced Friday.
The centre is planned for 1030 Old Victoria Road, which is Crown land, and is pending the city’s approval.
The Nanaimo centre with support for homeless people will be a modulard building with 60 sleeping units with a locking door, bed and place to store personal belongings. There will also be communal washrooms, a commercial kitchen, a laundry/utility room, amenity room and office space on site.
“The centre will provide a safe and supportive access point in the continuum of housing, which is an important step in ensuring the well-being of people in this community,” Taryn O’Flanagan, executive director, of the Vancouver Island Mental Health Society said in a news release.
The Vancouver Island Mental Health Society will operate supports with staff on site 24/7 providing health services like mental health and substance use programs, services focused on stabilization and connection to housing, overdose prevention and response programs and a daily meal program.
“People who have been chronically homeless often face complex challenges and need additional support to get back on their feet and start to rebuild their lives,” Ravi Kahlon, minister of housing said in a news release.
“That’s why we are working with the City of Nanaimo to provide a centre where vulnerable people can access temporary accommodation while navigating a full suite of services tailored to their specific needs.”
BC Housing is also exploring adding permanent housing to the site with details to be announced once they are confirmed.
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Laura Brougham
