NANAIMO — New housing projects for people experiencing homelessness are opening in the city.
The province formally unveiled, on Friday, May 9, a new collection of 50 temporary shelter spaces at 1300 Island Hwy. South in Chase River, opposite RONA.
Operated by Connective Support Society (formerly the John Howard Society), people who have occupied beds at overnight shelters in Nanaimo will be given the first opportunity to move into more stable housing later this spring.
The Chase River complex has on-site laundry and amenity spaces, individual units for residents and on-site staff 24/7
Each resident has their own personal, private suite in the complex. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)Residents will also be better connected to community programs to help their forward progression and continued move away from homelessness.
Opening the Chase River supportive housing project is several months behind schedule, with BC Housing originally projected a mid-to-late 2024 opening.
The project was first announced in early 2024, when a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the City and the province to provide more transition and supportive housing through a number of projects to fill voids until permanent housing solutions materialize.
A supportive housing site opening at 285 Prideaux Ave. last year represents the first of multiple permanent housing developments to be created in the years ahead.
The MOU was to move forward with the Homeless Encampment Action Response Team (HEART) and the Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) programs, with slow and steady progress being made on those projects.
Similar temporary housing projects are also being developed along 1030 Old Victoria Rd., operated by the Vancouver Island Mental Health Society, as well as 78 renovated units which are yet to open at the former Travellers Lodge on Nelson St., which will be run by Pacifica Housing.
Shared amenity space and common areas are included for residents. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)Total funding provided by the province for these units is around $32 million.
BC Housing and the province are also working towards a more permanent housing initiative adjacent to the Old Victoria Rd. temporary housing site, where 60 units are planned.
A supportive housing site opening at 285 Prideaux Ave. last year represents the first of multiple permanent housing developments to be created in the years ahead to replace interim temporary housing solutions.
The facility, much like others in Nanaimo, has a single point of entry for residents, ensuring their security, privacy and safety. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)Follow us on Facebook. Join Everything Nanaimo on Facebook and stay connected with everything happening on central Vancouver Island.
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