The Unitarian Shelter
The Nanaimo Unitarian Shelter provides emergency shelter to adults ages 19 and over. We are open for guests from 5 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., 7 days a week.
Our Services
Since 2008, the Nanaimo Unitarian Shelter, now operated by Nanaimo Family Life Association, has served as a temporary home for hundreds of adults struggling with poverty including seniors, people with disabilities, low wage workers, students, those suffering with mental illness and people struggling with addictions. We provide a warm refuge, non-judgmental welcome and hot meals for people experiencing homelessness.
Open seven nights a week year round from 5 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., the shelter is funded through BC Housing, and by generous cash and in kind donations from members of the First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo, members of Nanaimo Family Life Association, and individuals, businesses, and organizations in our community – and beyond.
NFLA Partnership Announcement
NFLA is proud to partner with Just Thrift, a locally owned thrift shop dedicated to supporting our community. Through this collaboration, NFLA clients in Nanaimo who are seeking housing, newly housed, or in need of essential items can receive free, no‑cost items (through our agency programs only) with this partnership.
Donations for NFLA programs — including shelters — can be dropped off during donation hours Tuesday to Saturday 10 – 3 at Unit #1, 4906 Wellington Rd.
Your support matters. If you are planning a drop off at a thrift shop please consider Just Thrift as that donation point. Together, we can help ensure that every individual has what they need to feel safe, supported, and at home.”
Our Shelter Services
In addition to our shelter, we offer the following programs:
Outreach/Case Manager
Starting in January 2020, with a seed grant from the Nanaimo Foundation, we began a program to provide an outreach worker and case manager for shelter guests. Our case manager, Jessica Wilson, is available to support guests of the shelter and people using the free shower program. She can assist with a range of needs including:
- Vulnerability Assessments
- Income Assistance
- Housing applications
- Help accessing medical assistance
- ID Replacement applications
- Addictions and mental health services referrals and applications
Shelter Contacts
Unitarian Shelter Main Phone line: (778) 754‑3720
For additional information, please contact:
