Risebridge will extend their hours today until Friday to help those who are out in the cold (Risebridge)

By NanaimoNewsNow Staff

IN FROM THE COLD

Nanaimo shelters receive emergency funding during continuing cold snap

Feb 22, 2023 | 4:56 PM

NANAIMO — Those living unhoused in the city are getting some extra help during these freezing conditions.

With the arctic flow rolling in on Wednesday, Feb. 22, the City is providing additional funds to multiple warming services throughout the city.

Risebridge warming centre is extending their hours to provide overnight relief. They will be offering their services from 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. from Wednesday, Feb. 22 to Friday, Feb. 24.

They are also asking for donations of survival gear including blankets, hats, gloves, sleeping bag, and socks which can be dropped off 520 Prideaux St.

A number of other warming facilities are taking advantage of the funding as well and extending their hours for overnight visitors.

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The 7-10 Club Society will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23 and Friday, Feb. 24 at St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Chapel Street.

The Unitarian Shelter will be offering daytime warming services in addition to their regular 27 overnight shelter beds, reserved for shelter guests only. They are located at 595 Townsite Rd.

The City had previously provided funding for Risebridge and the other facilities mentioned above after receiving a total of $625,000 from a Union of BC Municipalities ‘Strengthening Communities’ Service Program.

This funding helped support the creation and maintenance of these facilities, providing aid during extreme hot and cold weather conditions.

The current emergency funds allowing for additional hours of service are provided by the City through the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.

A complete list of drop-in and indoor meal services is available at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/supports.

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