Residents nearing move-in day at new Nanaimo Centre of Hope

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Most rooms have furniture, however many beds and other amenities remain unassembled. (Image Credit: Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Residents nearing move-in day at new Nanaimo Centre of Hope

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Residents of the existing 34 beds on-site will move over in the coming weeks, a few at a time, to their new spaces.

Furniture for the rooms has been purchased, but must still be assembled, which is due to happen shortly, Muller said.

The goal is to open the new facility one floor at a time, beginning with common areas available to residents and those accessing programs.

Included in the new wing of the Centre of Hope is a full commercial kitchen and dining area, outdoor terrace space in the front and back, an area which Muller is particularly fond of as it represents a space Centre clients can pause and rest without being accused of loitering.

A rear courtyard space offers an area for residents to stop and pause in their day, somewhat of a luxury for many living on the street who are often accused of loitering. (Image Credit: Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Work crews are scheduled to move in limestone blocks, from the original foundation in 1886, via crane into the back courtyard on Thursday, July 23, to provide seating and a nicer outdoor space behind the building.

The Centre overall was designed, over more than a decade, to maximize the impact it could have for community.

Muller said they’ll be able to better diversify their programming, and provide more specific support to people’s different needs.

“We are very interested in being as impactful and supportive in the community as possible. There may be situations where we have space and another organization has expertise, and we can work together, and vice versa. Places where we’re able to deploy some of our resources to support the need in the community.”

A full commercial kitchen is already being used by the Salvation Army, for preparation of food for their daily meal programs. (Image Credit: Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Once current residents of the Centre move into their new rooms, renovations will begin on the existing side of the building, including upgrades to the air handling and heating systems, bathrooms, and changes to the ground floor workspaces for staff.

Muller expects those changes to be complete by late 2026 or early 2027.

In a bid to best use the new space, Muller said the organization is always seeking volunteers to lend their time and talents to those in need.

A fundraising luncheon is also scheduled for Nov. 25 at the Vancouver Island Chamber of Commerce, an event where Muller looks forward to show off the progress they’ve made in both the new and old spaces of the Centre of Hope.

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