A 35-bed shelter in St. Peters Hall has re-opened for its second year as the homelessness crisis in Nanaimo worsens. (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

place to sleep

35-bed emergency shelter reopens as Nanaimo homelessness crisis worsens

Nov 25, 2019 | 12:22 AM

NANAIMO – More doors have opened for Nanaimo’s homeless as the weather takes a turn for the worse.

The 35-bed shelter in St. Peters Hall has re-opened for the second year, starting Monday, Nov. 25. It’s open from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. seven nights a week.

The shelter is operated by the Society for Equity, Inclusion and Advocacy and funded by BC Housing.

“As a mid-Island region, Nanaimo has the second highest homeless rate,” Society executive director Chantale Roelens said in a press release. “Our goal is to work with social supports to find more stable housing and supports for our guests.”

The shelter was either at or over-capacity every night during the first year.

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Roelens said 27 of those who stayed the night managed to find permanent housing through the Tenancy Outreach program.

The shelter opens as the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to rise.

A 2018 point-in-time count indicated up to 400 people were considered living in a category of absolute homelessness, which means they live on the street or in the bush.

Only one year later, service providers estimate the number has swelled to roughly 500 people.

A further point-in-time count is expected in 2020.

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