Drop In Center

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drop-in center

Our new drop-in center is now open at 55 Victoria Road (with access only from Nicol St). It provides support to individuals experiencing homelessness in our community.

This initiative is a collaboration between Island Crisis Care Society (ICCS) and Nanaimo Family Life Association (NFLA), with daytime services funded by the City of Nanaimo and the federally supported Reaching Home program administered by United Way BC and the overnight shelter beds funded by the province, through BC Housing, until the end of March 2025.

The drop-in hub provides a welcoming safe space, offering essential services, connections to community resources and a refuge from extreme weather conditions.

Operating seven days a week, year-round, the drop-in hub ensures consistent and accessible space for individuals in need, and provides support from 8pm-8am during the winter months (January through March)

Unlike previous short-term warming centers, this program is designed as a long-term solution to meet the ongoing needs of our community’s most vulnerable individuals. The Drop-In Centre offers consistent access to essential resources while connecting guests to housing and health supports.

In addition, there are 20 shelter beds available overnight. Shelter guests receive a cot, blanket and two light meals (am and pm).

PROGRAM DETAILS:

  • Hours of Operation:
    • Year-Round Daytime Drop-In: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    • Overnight Winter Shelter: 8:00 PM – 8:00 AM (January–March 31, 2025)
  • Staffing: ICCS provides daytime staff, while NFLA oversees overnight operations. All staff are trained and experienced in providing care and maintaining safety and security.
  • Capacity: The center can accommodate up to 20 guests at a time, with capacity adjustments as needed to ensure the safety and well-being of guests and the community.

We understand that the introduction of this center may raise questions or concerns. Please know that we are committed to working collaboratively with neighbours and local businesses to make this initiative both effective and respectful. Your input is valuable, and we welcome your feedback to help integrate the Drop-In Centre into the neighbourhood as smoothly as possible.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss this initiative further, please contact us at dropin@iccare.ca or call the site via 778-441-5444.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we work together to address homelessness in our community. Together, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate Nanaimo.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. What services does the Drop-In Centre provide?

During the daytime (11:00 AM–6:00 PM), the Drop-In Centre offers:

  • Light meals, hygiene supplies, and clothing donations
  • Weather-related supplies
  • A safe space to rest
  • Access to health services, housing resources, and service providers

During the evening (8:00 PM–8:00 AM) from January through March, the winter shelter provides:

  • Cots and blankets for overnight stays
  • Two light meals
  • Access to outreach workers for housing and support connections

2. Who can use the Drop-In Centre?

The center is open to individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or related challenges, such as mental health or substance use issues.

3. How is safety ensured?

Safety measures include:

  • Trained staff on-site
  • Clear behavioural guidelines for guests
  • Collaboration with Community Safety Officers and RCMP
  • Regular security patrols and property maintenance

4. How will service providers address neighbourhood concerns?

The Drop-In Centre is designed to mitigate issues related to homelessness by offering essential support in a structured, safe environment. Both the Nanaimo Family Life Association (NFLA) and Island Crisis Care Society (ICCS) maintain strong partnerships with the RCMP and Community Safety Officers (CSO) and will collaborate with them to address any crime-related concerns.

The safety of guests, staff, and the surrounding community is a top priority. To ensure this, the following measures will be in place:

  • Experienced Staff On-Site: Trained staff will provide continuous support to residents and act as a direct point of contact for neighbours.
  • Direct Communication with Neighbours: A dedicated phone line will be shared with nearby residents once it becomes available, ensuring open communication.
  • Ongoing Safety Efforts: Staff will engage with residents and neighbours to address safety concerns related to the hub proactively.
  • Regular Property Maintenance: Staff will perform routine sweeps of the property and surrounding areas to ensure cleanliness and order.
  • Behaviour Expectations for Visitors: All visitors will be required to follow the operator’s guidelines for appropriate and respectful conduct.
  • Comprehensive Staff Training: Staff will be equipped with skills in non-violent crisis intervention, overdose response, incident management, peer support, and trauma-informed communication, while also connecting residents to local resources.

5. How does the center support individuals dealing with substance use?

The Drop-In Centre follows a harm reduction approach, connecting guests to resources and referrals. While substance use is not permitted on-site, guests under the influence may access services if they adhere to center rules.

6. How are mental health challenges addressed?

The center works with local mental health professionals to provide counselling, support groups, and referrals. Staff are trained to respond compassionately to mental health needs.

7. How do participants get to the center?

Most participants walk or use public transit. Support such as bus passes or shuttles may be provided when needed.

8. How can I help or get involved?

You can support the center by:

  • Donating funds or items like clothing and hygiene supplies
  • Volunteering your time

9. Will the center increase loitering or disruptive behaviour in the area?

We are committed to maintaining a positive relationship with our neighbours. The Drop-In Centre provides a structured environment with clear rules of conduct for guests, and staff are trained to manage challenging behaviours. Regular property maintenance, collaboration with RCMP and Community Safety Officers, and direct communication with neighbours will help address any concerns promptly.

10. What happens if there are conflicts or safety incidents at the center?

Staff are trained in non-violent crisis intervention and will work to de-escalate conflicts. In rare cases where additional support is required, we will collaborate with Community Safety Officers or RCMP. Our goal is to resolve issues quickly and respectfully to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

11. How will the success of the Drop-In Centre be measured?

Success will be evaluated through regular reporting on outcomes such as the number of individuals accessing services, housing placements, and connections to health supports. Feedback from guests, staff, and the community will also guide ongoing improvements.

12. Will the center attract individuals from outside Nanaimo?

The Drop-In Centre primarily serves individuals already experiencing homelessness in Nanaimo. While some guests may come from nearby areas, our focus is on addressing local needs and connecting guests with long-term supports in their home communities where appropriate.

13. How long will this program be operational?

The Drop-In Centre is a long-term initiative designed to provide sustained support to the community. The overnight shelter component will operate seasonally (January–March), while the daytime drop-in services will continue year-round.

14. Are there resources available for businesses or neighbours experiencing issues?

Yes, we will provide a dedicated contact number for immediate concerns and are committed to proactive communication. Staff can also offer resources and information to help mitigate any challenges.

15. How can local businesses collaborate with the center?

Local businesses can support the initiative by donating goods or services, offering employment opportunities to guests, or partnering with us for community improvement projects.

16. What steps are taken to prevent overcrowding?

The center operates on a capacity limit to ensure safety and comfort for all guests. If demand exceeds capacity, staff will provide referrals to other resources or alternative supports.

17. What measures are in place for extreme weather events?

The Drop-In Centre will distribute additional supplies, such as warm clothing and blankets, and coordinate with other services to meet increased demand during extreme weather. We are committed to ensuring no one is left without support.

Thank you for supporting this important initiative to make a positive impact in our community!

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

ICCS Drop-In Centre
Address: 55 Victoria Road, Nanaimo (Entrance Off Nicol Street)
Phone: 778-441-5444
Email: dropin@iccare.ca

Island Crisis Care Society: islandcrisiscaresociety.ca
Nanaimo Family Life Association: nflabc.org