There are four year-round shelters and two winter shelters servicing the region:
Year-Round Shelters (Open Every Day)
Details
Location
Contact
Hours
Bus Route
Women - Island Crisis Care Society, Samaritan House
Adult women, plus children and youth with ministry permission (males up to 19 years). No drugs or alcohol allowed on premises.
355 Nicol Street, Nanaimo
250-753-1474
24 hours
7
Men - The Salvation Army, New Hope Centre
Shelter is behaviour based, however, drugs or alcohol may not be consumed on premises. Limited number of pets allowed. Some storage space available for belongings, including carts.
19 Nicol Street, Nanaimo
250-714-1142
24 hours
1, 5, 6, 20, 30, 40, 50
Youth - Friendship Lelum Youth Safe House
For at-risk youth from 12 to 18 years of age. No drugs or alcohol allowed on premises.
250-753-8266
Men and Women - Nanaimo Unitarian Shelter
Men, women, pets and storage. No drugs or alcohol permitted on premises.
595 Townsite Road, Nanaimo
250-754-3720
5:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.
1
Winter Shelters (Open November 25, 2019 to March 31, 2020)
Nanaimo - The Centre Winter Shelter
No drugs or alcohol permitted on premises.
301 Machleary Street, Nanaimo
(Entrance at Side Door)
250-734-1969
6:00 p.m.to 7:00 a.m.
40
Oceanside Area - Rotating Shelters
Meet at the Mt. Arrowsmith Salvation Army daily at 5 p.m. to be taken to shelter location.
187 Alberni Hwy
250-248-8794
6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
88, 91
Table last updated December 2019
For those experiencing ongoing homelessness, the Homelessness Outreach and Support Team, 250-741-7645, is there to help.
If you are in crisis and need help, contact Vancouver Island Crisis Line at 1-888-494-3888.