The Unitarian Shelter
The Nanaimo Unitarian Shelter provides emergency shelter to adults ages 19 and over. We are open for guests from 5 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., 7 days a week.
Our Services
Since 2008, the Nanaimo Unitarian Shelter, now operated by Nanaimo Family Life Association, has served as a temporary home for hundreds of adults struggling with poverty including seniors, people with disabilities, low wage workers, students, those suffering with mental illness and people struggling with addictions. We provide a warm refuge, non-judgmental welcome and hot meals for people experiencing homelessness.
Open seven nights a week year round from 5 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., the shelter is funded through BC Housing, and by generous cash and in kind donations from members of the First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo, members of Nanaimo Family Life Association, and individuals, businesses, and organizations in our community – and beyond.
Our Shelter Services
In addition to our shelter, we offer the following programs:
Outreach/Case Manager
Starting in January 2020, with a seed grant from the Nanaimo Foundation, we began a program to provide an outreach worker and case manager for shelter guests. Our case manager, Jessica Wilson, is available to support guests of the shelter and people using the free shower program. She can assist with a range of needs including:
- Vulnerability Assessments
- Income Assistance
- Housing applications
- Help accessing medical assistance
- ID Replacement applications
- Addictions and mental health services referrals and applications
Shelter Contacts
Unitarian Shelter Main Phone line: (778) 754‑3720
For additional information, please contact:
