The Island Crisis Care Society is moving ahead with its plan to open a six-bed supportive recovery project this summer in Nanaimo.
The project will provide clients with stable housing, food, mental health resources and individualized support plans for up to 18 months at no cost to the individual.
Corrie Corfield, the society’s director of people, culture and engagement, said a referral process is being finalized.
“We have secured funding for the next three years, it’s a great timeline to get started then we’ll be working with the industry and other funders in the community to look at ongoing [funding] after that point,” she said. “The supportive recovery program is life-changing for lots of people. It gives people an opportunity to focus on their recovery.”
While the goal is to open by mid-July, after the society’s office on Bowen Road flooded this winter, it’s now looking for a new rental facility to hold the program. Corfield said a space could be temporary, but if it’s a good fit it could become the program’s new home.
“Bowen has beautiful apartments that we really see as a great fit for this supportive recovery program. Unfortunately in January there was a massive flood. So we’re still out of that space and it really put a backlog on all of our plans,” she said. “We are doing everything we possibly can to stick to that timeline. But if we are not able to find a location it could have an impact.”
Funding is being provided through a Canadian Mental Health Association bed-based treatment and recovery grant, which will fund the operation for three years at $500,000 a year.
Before opening, the society still needs to fundraise about $50,000 in monetary or in-kind donations to furnish the house.
Those who want to donate can find out more information at http://islandcrisiscaresociety.ca/donate/. For in-kind donations including blankets, appliances and furniture, the society’s resource development coordinator Jennifer Short can be reached at 250-585-5505 or by e-mail at development@iccare.ca.
“2025 Bowen has beautiful apartments that we really seen as a great fit for this supportive recovery program. Unfortunately in January there was a massive flood. So we’re still out of that space and it really put a backlog on all of our plans,”
