Nanaimo Housing First Initiative

Housing First is a client-centered and recovery-oriented approach to ending homelessness. There are no requirements for housing readiness, compliance to medication, or sobriety.Rather, it is an intervention rooted in the philosophy that all people deserve housing and that adequate housing is a precondition for recovery. This model is "housing first" not "housing only."

Our team believes that the best kind of treatment is a partnership where we collaborate together with our clients. The program’s strengths-based community approach allows clients to be active in their recovery. Everything is tailored to the client’s unique strengths and needs. We also believe in the importance of creating meaningful community connections.

How to apply for housing:

A referral to Housing First starts with a Vulnerability Assessment (VAT) of Housing and Housing Support Needs. Please contact:

Nanaimo Region John Howard Society — Andrew Ferguson —[email protected] — 250-754-1266 or 250-668-6300

Nanaimo Women’s Centre — Kim Cote — [email protected] — 250-753-0633 or 778-269-2504

Nanaimo Women’s Centre — Lesley Clarke — [email protected] — 250-753-0633 or 250-802-5313

For further information about the Nanaimo Housing First Initiative:

Nanaimo Housing First Briefing Presentation_PowerPoint30-Oct-2015

Nanaimo Housing First Briefing Presentation_30-Oct-2015

VAT Community Presentation-FINAL