Risebridge has ramped up its social advocacy work by once again providing a daytime warming centre this winter. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

Important service

‘The need is very clear:’ new Nanaimo warming centre draws strong interest

Nov 14, 2023 | 4:31 PM

NANAIMO — Just five hours into its operational season, more than 70 people accessed a newly opened warming centre for people living rough in Nanaimo.

Operated by non-profit Risebridge at its Prideaux St. location at Albert St., executive director Jovanne Johnson said they are “very grateful” for the recent funding commitment from the City of Nanaimo to open their doors.

“The need is very clear, I think our city council believed that and heard that as well, they were just hoping that…the provincial government would step in and do more and I think all of us hope there will be more. We know there’s a significant need in our city.”

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through March 31, Risebridge staff with supplemental support from volunteers will see six to eight people staffed at all times, with the non-profit utilizing both of its floors if necessary to serve a maximum of 48 people at one time.

Jovanne Johnson (L) and Stephanie Perry, Risebridge director of operations. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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While Johnson said their space is nowhere near sufficient to help the homeless escape the elements, particularly during inclement weather, she said the service will be highly valued this year as it was last winter.

Basic food and hot coffee, clothing, shoes, phone/internet access and resource referrals are all available at 520 Prideaux St. known as Risebridge Warmreach.

Stating a good neighbour policy is included in their contractual agreement with the City, Johnson believes their warming centre will in fact help reduce crime and localized social disorder.

“I think when we don’t have these resources we end up just causing a scene of desperation in the community and that’s when we see the vandalism, violence and the fires,” Johnson said of the importance of having a dignified place where people’s basic human needs can be met.

She said donations of warm clothing and monetary contributions are appreciated as they elevate services for Nanaimo’s needy for the next several months.

“We’re not certainly promoting homelessness, we’re not promoting substance use — we’re trying to help address the crisis and the issue that’s clearly not going away in our community, and we’re doing our best at it.”

According to the 2023 Nanaimo Point in Time Count, roughly 500 people were unhoused, representing a 20 per cent increase compared to the 2020 count. However, the City’s Community Safety Officers estimate the number of homeless in the Harbour City is closer to 800 to 1000 people.

The City of Nanaimo is accepting expressions of interest until Nov. 17 in the hopes of funding a second warming centre for this winter.

Over 15,000 shelter and warming centre spaces were used in Nanaimo last winter.

A full list of day-use spaces, emergency shelters and emergency food/shower services is available on the City of Nanaimo’s website.

Risebridge Warmreach is open daily between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. through March 31 at 520 Prideaux. St. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes