A 51-unit sheltered housing project opens in Nanaimo
A new 51-unit sheltered housing building called Cornerstone is opening in Nanaimo — a city that has been crying out for more services to help unhoused citizens.
“Stable housing is a foundational component of addressing barriers and assisting people in achieving independence, and we are eager to support everyone here,” Susan Clift, Connective Housing Nanaimo chair, said in a statement Friday. Connective Housing, formerly the Nanaimo Region John Howard Society, will run the facility.
Residents who are either without homes or at risk of homelessness will have access to daily, around-the-clock support in the new modular, four-storey building at 285 Prideaux St.
Some estimates put Nanaimo’s unhoused population at 1,000 at a time when rental rates are rising and supply is tight.
The province paid $12.4 million to build the facility and is putting in $1.5 million per year for operating costs.
Services for residents include life-skills training, employment assistance and counselling, physical and mental-health resources, and referrals to other essential services.
People who had been living at Newcastle Place, a temporary sheltered housing facility at 250 Terminal Ave., have priority to move into Cornerstone.
Newcastle Place will in turn be able to house people now staying in shelters.
The first residents are expected to move in next month.
“We all want people formerly unhoused to get the homes and support they need for health and stability,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo.
These units will help people build life skills and be ready for other affordable housing the province is creating, she said.
The City of Nanaimo provided the land for Cornerstone on a long-term lease for a nominal fee.
“Compassion, co-operation and hard work will provide safe, secure homes for 51 of our most vulnerable citizens,” said Leonard Krog, Nanaimo mayor.
The project comes out of a 2019 memorandum of understanding between the province and city to deliver four permanent, purpose-built supportive housing developments in the community.
The first of the four supportive homes, Samaritan Place at 702 Nicol St., opened in March 2022.