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. To check if we have a bed available call 250-754-3720 or come see us after 4 p.m. at 595 Townsite Road to have your name added to the waitlist.
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.
Hours: 5 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Contact: 250-754-3720
Brochure about our services.
The Unitarian Shelter is the most welcoming place I have ever stayed. I feel really uncomfortable in a lot of places, but they don’t ask invasive questions, they just accept everyone for who they are and welcome us. – Guest
Free Shower Program
In partnership with the City of Nanaimo, we run a free shower program to anyone experiencing homelessness or unstable housing. Toiletries (soap, shampoo, clean towel and facecloth, etc.) are provided for free. You can also enjoy a hot or cold beverage while waiting. This program is supported with funding form the City of Nanaimo and the United Way administered Reaching Home program.
We are located at Caledonia Park, 110 Wall Street in the buildings on the south side of the park.
Hours: 7 AM – 12 PM. Last shower starts at 11:30 AM.
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
Jessica is reachable by phone at the shelter 250-754-3720 or by email at j_wilson@nflabc.org.
This program is supported with funding from the United Way administered Reaching Home program and charitable donations.
Clean Team
As part of our commitment to good neighborhood relations we have a Clean Team that does bi-weekly garbage pick-up in the neighbourhood and parks in the vicinity of the shelter. A shelter staff member accompanies two shelter guests who are paid an honorarium to take part in the program. Watch for us in our reflective vests with garbage buckets and pickers. This program is supported with funding from charitable donations.
Employment
If you are interested in working with us, please contact the Director of Shelters and Guest Services, Erika, at e_gagnon@nflabc.org.
Shelter Contacts
Erika Gagnon
Director of Shelters and Guest Services
595 Townsite Road, Nanaimo, BC, V9S 1K9
Office: (250) 754-3720
Cell: (778) 269-3212
Email: e_gagnon@nflabc.org
Deborah Hollins
Executive Director
1070 Townsite Road, Nanaimo, BC, V9S 1M6
Office: (250) 754-3331
Email: d_hollins@nflabc.org
Jessica Wilson
Outreach/Case Manager
595 Townsite Road, Nanaimo, BC, V9S 1K9
Office: (250) 754-3720
Email: j_wilson@nflabc.org
Nanaimo Family Life Association
1070 Townsite Road, Nanaimo, BC, V9S 1M6
Office: (250) 754-3331
reception@nflabc.org
www.nflabc.org
Unitarian Shelter
595 Townsite Road, Nanaimo, BC, V9S 1K9
Office: (250) 754-3720
We gratefully acknowledge the support of BC Housing, the City of Nanaimo and the United Way British Columbia – Central & Northern Vancouver Island.
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