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Winter shelter for people experiencing homelessness opens next week in Nanaimo

Temporary winter shelter open at St. Peter’s Catholic Church from Nov. 22 to March 31
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St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Nanaimo. (News Bulletin file)

A winter shelter operating out of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church will open its doors for those experiencing homelessness, beginning next week.

A partnership between Nanaimo Family Life Association and Nanaimo region John Howard Society, the 24-bed St. Peter’s temporary winter shelter at 301 Machleary St. will offer a warm place for people to spend the night beginning Monday, Nov. 22 and will stay open until March 31.

Shelter users are able to take refuge from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. A hot dinner and a to-go breakfast will be provided.

“The best solution to homelessness is permanent housing with supports; however, the winter shelter will ensure protection from the cold, a safe and clean space to sleep, and access to much-needed resources,” said Deborah Hollins, Nanaimo Family Life’s executive director.

“Providing a warm, dry, safe space to sleep for those living outdoors in our community is particularly important during the cold wet winter months,” said John Horn, John Howard Society executive director. “Working collaboratively with our non-profit partners and St Peter’s church we are able to provide a sheltering option for the winter season and in doing so, we will make every effort to ensure the service fits in well with the surrounding residential and business communities.”

The shelter is operating thanks to money from B.C. Housing.

READ ALSO: City receives $2.5M to help with homelessness response


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