A new permanent location has been proposed for Nanaimo’s service hub for people experiencing homelessness, but city council is seeking more information before offering support.
Deborah Hollins, executive director of the Nanaimo Family Life Association, and Violet Hayes, executive director of the Island Crisis Care Society, requested a letter of support to move the hub to 250 Albert St. at council’s March 23 meeting.
They are seeking $3.94 million from B.C. Housing to support the relocation, including operating funds and one-time renovation costs.
“Over the past year, the hub has become the central coordination point for housing navigation, outreach engagement and basic needs supports in Nanaimo. It has supported hundreds of individuals and has already helped some of the most street-entrenched community members move successfully into housing,” Hollins said. “We are now facing the loss of more than 100 shelter beds at the end of this month. Without a permanent solution, the progress we have made will be at risk and visible homelessness will increase across our city.”
The current service hub at 55 Victoria Rd. is set to close at the end of the month. City staff have been working to identify a suitable permanent location.
Hayes told council the Albert Street site is provincially owned and would provide greater stability than a private lease. She said a HUB (help, uplift and bridge) at the location would include an overnight shelter, showers, meals, housing supports and outreach services.
Council requested a staff report, including consultation with Island Health, before considering the proposal. Mayor Leonard Krog said the community should also have an opportunity to provide input.
“With great respect, we at city hall and by that I am referring to the staff in particular, have already suffered some very negative consequences to put it mildly from individuals who are using the overdose prevention site now and I do not want to see us endorsing any site in this community without some serious consideration and the opportunity for the community to respond,” he said.
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