The province has announced new housing spaces will soon be available for people experiencing homelessness in Nanaimo.
Through B.C. Housing, the province is providing $32 million to deliver spaces to three sites across Nanaimo.
Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon said bringing people indoors is the first step toward stability for people who need it.
“Homelessness is a tough challenge, but we’ve been doing the work and we’re starting to make real progress helping people move indoors.”
50 units will be opened at 1300 Island Hwy. South and will be operated by Connective Support Society.
59 Units will open at 1030 Old Victoria Rd. And be operated by Vancouver Island Mental Health Society.
78 Units will open at the Sparrow at 1298 Nelson St. And be operated by Pacifica Housing.
Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog said without housing, no person can have a healthy life.
“The partnership with the city set out in the HEART and HEARTH MOU means that over 200 people are going to have a safe secure place to live where they can better their own lives and move beyond the misery of living in the streets.”
Priority to the new spaces will be given to people who have been staying in overnight shelters, with move in dates expected to be this spring and summer.
All sites will have individual units, shared amenity spaces, meals and laundry services, 24/7 on-site staff, and referrals to community programs essential to the health and wellness of residents.
A rezoning application has also been submitted for approximately permanent 60 units at McKenzie Avenue, adjacent to the 1030 Old Victoria Rd. Temporary site.
