How does someone access ICCS services?
PROGRAMS ARE ACCESSED BY REFERRAL
All ICCS programs are accessed by referral from an Island Health team or via community triage committees working with BC Housing. Individuals are encouraged to contact BC Housing by phone or through their website. Access often begins with the Housing Registry.
BC Housing: 1-800-257-7756
Housing Assistance: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance
Housing for 60 years plus SAFER Program: www.bchousing.org/Find/Senior
Regional District Housing Resources
The regional district includes both Nanaimo and the Oceanside area and their website has an excellent and extensive list of housing resources: https://www.rdn.bc.ca/housing-resources
Coordinated Access in Nanaimo
The Nanaimo Homeless Coalition, United Way Central Northern Vancouver Island, and the City of Nanaimo’s Health and Housing Task Force are developing a coordinated access program, funded by the Government of Canada. Coordinated Access will streamline access to a variety of services in Nanaimo. Expected in 2022.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
For up-to-date information regarding emergency services see the Regional District’s Emergency Shelter & Food Resources page: https://www.rdn.bc.ca/emergency-shelter
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
ICCS does not provide counselling or crisis response services to the general public. We encourage individuals in need of mental health support to contact the crisis line, or Island Health Services at Brooks Landing.
Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888
Vancouver Island Crisis Society: 250-753-2495
www.vicrisis.ca
Text Chat: 250 -800-3806 between 6pm -10pm
Island Health Walk Up Services
Central Island Access Services at Brooks Landing
#203 2000 Island HWY (behind Staples)
M-F 10 am to 5.15 pm
250-739-5710
OTHER RECOMMENDED SERVICES
Salvation Army Community Services: 250-754-2621,19 Nicol Street Nanaimo.
Emergency food hampers/meal tickets, /clothing /school supplies/ assistance with emergency housewares/clothing.
Nanaimo and Area Resource Services for Families (NARSF programs Ltd.)
www.narsf.org, #201 170 Wallace Street Nanaimo M-F 9am to 5pm.
250-754-2773, 1-844-482-4239 , or text 250-510-3637
Society of Organized Services in Oceanside
COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTRE
245 West Hirst Avenue, Parksville
(250) 248-2093
Hours: Mon to Fri, 8:30 – 4:30, closed holidays
Aboriginal Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717
M’Akola Housing Society: 250-756-4217 makola.bc.ca
Ballenas Housing Society (formerly Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society)
Oceanside Health Centre
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-locations/hospitals-health-centre-locations/oceanside-health-centre