Nanaimo Supportive Housing Operators

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Societies selected for Nanaimo supportive housing sites

Pacifica Housing and Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society, in partnership with Columbian Centre Society and Haven Society, have been selected as the successful non-profit providers to develop, manage and operate two new supportive housing developments for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Nanaimo.

The societies were selected as the result of a Request for Proposal call issued in September, which included an extensive evaluation process carried out by a committee comprised of representatives from the two funding organizations  – BC Housing and the City of Nanaimo.

Pacifica Housing will operate the 6025 Uplands site, while the three societies will work in partnership to provide housing with supports for the 1612 Dufferin Cres. development.

Expected to begin construction in early 2013, each of these new buildings will create between 35 and 40 units of supportive housing, for a total of up to 80 new units that will connect individuals with the services and supports they need to stabilize and regain their independence.

With the non-profit selection process now complete, the Province and the City of Nanaimo will work in partnership with the societies to fully develop plans for community consultation, design and programs to be offered at the facilities.

The Dufferin and Uplands developments are part of a partnership between the Province of British Columbia and the City of Nanaimo to help address homelessness in the city.

The new locations are in addition to two sites:

·         Salish Lelum at 477 Tenth St. was recently completed and provides 18 apartments for Aboriginal youth and elders.

·         437 Wesley St. is under construction and will provide 36 apartments of supportive housing.

In total, these four sites will create approximately 130 new apartments of supportive housing in Nanaimo.

Mayor Ruttan is quoted as saying:

“I am excited to see these much-needed projects moving forward for people in need of support in our community. The construction of almost 80 units of housing for those most in need will generate jobs and respond to one of the City’s long standing problems, homelessness. I am confident that the operators will bring their years of experience to manage these facilities safely and securely, consistent with the expectations of the surrounding neighbourhood.”