Two months ago, the Nanaimo Unitarian Shelter closed its doors for renovations, now the shelter is ready to celebrate re-opening.
An open house will be held on July 13th at 10:30 to show off the upgrades and will mark the transfer of services to the Nanaimo Family Life Association (NFLA).
The renovations include new flooring, air exchange units and an accessible washroom with a shower.
“We are extremely grateful to the hundreds of people who donated and to the community businesses and organizations that contributed,” said outgoing shelter Executive Director Paul Manly.
The new bathroom will be dedicated to Sophia, the 23-year-old shelter worker who passed away last September. Her mother will be attending the ceremony.
“We are extremely confident in the ability of NFLA to manage the shelter,” says Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo board chair Don Gayton. He adds that their programs will enhance operations and help guests and find housing support.
Fundraising efforts for the renovations started last December to bring the shelter into compliance with the BC Building and BC Fire Codes.
The shelter provides emergency overnight shelter to adults aged 19 and older, seven days a week.
