The Nanaimo Working Group on Homelessness (NWGH) is seeking proposals from groups working to address the issue of homelessness in the City of Nanaimo, the District of Lantzville and Regional District of Nanaimo Electoral Areas A, B (Gabriola, Mudge, and De Courcy Islands), and C.

“The NWGH has $186,000 in funding available for proposals from not-for-profit societies or recognised religious organisations that provide, or intend to provide, direct service within the City of Nanaimo, or within the RDN areas located in District 68”, said Nanaimo Mayor John Ruttan.

Funding for this initiative was provided through the Vancouver Island Health Authority’s (VIHA) Grant for Capacity Building – Ending Homelessness. In 2010 and 2011, VIHA provided funding to the RDN, which in turn provided the funds to the City of Nanaimo for the southern communities, and to the Oceanside Task Force on Homelessness in the northern communities.

“The RDN Board appreciates VIHA’s commitment to funding homelessness initiatives in our regional district, and we encourage all eligible District 68 groups providing or intending to provide this type of service to apply for assistance through the NWGH,” said RDN Chairperson Joe Stanhope.

To be considered, proposals must provide the following:
•  Access to longer-term housing solutions, emergency shelter, support and prevention services for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
•  Community-based events, initiatives or services that enhance the social inclusion of homeless individuals and/or assists them in meeting basic needs (food, shelter, clothing, medical and dental services, personal care, etc.).

Applications will be evaluated based on demonstrated ability to provide service, value for money and impact on the health, well-being, and social inclusion of homeless or at-risk of homeless persons.  Application forms may be obtained by email request (john.horn@nanaimo.ca), in person at 238 Franklyn Street, or by phone at 250-755-4483. Applications for funding must be submitted to John Horn, Social Planner, City of Nanaimo prior to 4 pm on Friday, Aug. 31.