24 People could be forced to the streets this week as funding for a shelter in Nanaimo is set to expire.

The nonprofit Risebridge has been operating a shelter on Prideaux Street since the fall, funded by BC Housing on a temporary winter shelter contract.

On February 12th Risebridge reached out to BC housing to inquire about the possibility of extending the shelter contract.

On February 27th they were informed that BC Housing was reviewing extension requests across the province, and would follow up with updates.

After Risebridge followed up on March 28th, they eventually received a reply from BC Housing’s Director of Homelessness on April 17th, which stated that

“This year, BC Housing does not have a funding program to invite all Non-Profit operators to apply for extensions to provide broad operating extensions for all the temporary winter shelters across the province.”

Another shelter in Nanaimo, run by the Nanaimo Family Life Association, received an extension to May 31, 2025. 

Midcoast Morning paid a visit to the shelter, and reached out to BC Housing.

In the lead up to this year’s federal election, Midcoast Morning is bringing you interviews with our local candidates in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Riding.

On this program Lisa Marie Barron.

Plus, after being unable to arrange a conversation with Conservative candidate Tamara Kronis, Midcoast Morning spoke with University of Guelph political science professor Julie Simmons about a lack of media availability among Conservative candidates during this election period.

In the lead up to this year’s federal election, Midcoast Morning is bringing you interviews with our local candidates in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Riding.

On this program - Paul Manly and Michelle Corfield.