Cost nearly doubles for Nanaimo’s proposed homeless drop-in centre
NANAIMO — The anticipated cost for a drop-in centre in Nanaimo to provide help and services to the homeless has doubled.
A staff report presented to Nanaimo councillors on Monday, July 9 lists the new cost at roughly $650,000, up from the $350,000 first suggested by City staff several months ago. It’s expected to offer health supports, counselling and assistance with paperwork and forms in an effort to help those experiencing homelessness get off the streets. No location has yet been determined.
It’s grown from the initial idea presented as part of a sweeping spending package, which was $100,000 from the City as seed money for the service.
Staffing the centre is the highest cost of the project, anticipated to be at least $400,000. It’s a cost arrived at by speaking with Our Place in Victoria.