NANAIMO — BC Housing, in partnership with Island Health, are advancing plans for new housing options for those experiencing homelessness in the city.
Approximately 20 units of complex care housing, featuring various mental-health and substance-use supports, is planned for a vacant lot at 1850 Boxwood Rd., between Dufferin Cres. and East Wellington Rd.
In addition to the individual studio-style homes with kitchenettes and private bathrooms, the facility would include communal amenities such as a full kitchen, dining area and clinical areas for residents to receive on-site care.
The facility is planned to help those currently experiencing, or at risk of being homeless, who also have complex health challenges, including substance use and mental health difficulties.
A currently vacant lot on Boxwood Rd., near Dufferin Cres., is poised to be a new supportive and complex care housing facility. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)Complex care also covers people with brain injury, disability or chronic illness.
A rezoning application was submitted to the City of Nanaimo at the end of February, with a development permit expected to be put to Council for discussion by the summer.
Pending approval of a rezoning and development permit, additional funding and project-timeline details will be provided as the project moves forward.
A community open house, mainly for neighbouring properties to the Boxwood Rd. site, was held in early April.
The building would be operated by a yet-to-be-named local non-profit with staff on site 24/7.
More information on the project is available here at the BC Housing website.
The project is part of increased efforts in recent years to provide additional supportive housing availability in Nanaimo.
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