Extreme Weather Shelter in Nanaimo almost forced to close due to lack of funding

Lack of funding almost forced Nanaimo’s Extreme Weather Shelter to shut its doors this week.

Shelter coordinator Kevan Griffith says they nearly ran out of money.

Griffith says they only get funding from BC Housing when the temperature at night drops below zero, or two degrees with rain and wind.

Griffith says they put out the call for help, and fortunately, the community stepped up with much-needed donations to help them stay open.

The shelter at the First Unitarian Church on Townsite Road will remain open every night until March 31.

There are 24 beds and Griffith says they’re full almost every night, and often have to turn people away.