A day after the first snowstorm of the season, the City of Nanaimo announced it will direct funding for a pair of daytime warming centres for people experiencing homelessness.
In a press release, the city said the money, through Union of B.C. Municipalities’ strengthening communities’ services program, will allow for a warming centre operated by the Risebridge Society at 520 Prideaux St., open seven days a week, and one run by the 7-10 Club Society at St. Paul’s Anglican Church at 100 Chapel St., open Monday to Friday.
The centres will operate between December and March, noted the press release, offering warm meals and outreach services.
“The City of Nanaimo is pleased to be able to support the important work of the non-profit community who provide life-saving services during extreme weather events,” said Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog in the press release.
In an e-mail, the city told the News Bulletin it was granted a total of $625,000 from UBCM, including close to $300,000 to support daytime cold and hot extreme weather service. In addition to Risebridge and 7-10 Club, the Nanaimo Unitarian Shelter will receive money, the city said, to assist overnight guests with daytime service as needed.
For more information, visit www.nanaimo.ca and search for services and supports.
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karl.yu@nanaimobulletin.com
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