NHC PROGRAMS:

EMERGENCY SHELTER

The Salvation Army New Hope Centre (NHC) has 23 emergency shelter beds for men who are in need of a safe place to sleep and eat. Through partnership with BC Housing, the NHC connects people who are homeless to housing, food, and other support services. During the cold and wet weather events, The Salvation Army NHC opens an additional 15 Extreme Weather Response mats in the centre.

BC Housing’s Extreme Weather Response program enables communities to temporarily increase emergency shelter capacity during extreme weather conditions that threaten the safety and health of individuals and families who are homeless. (The EWR program is temporarily suspended due to the construction project underway at this time.)

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING

Clients who need additional time to work on personal programs can apply for longer term support in our transitional housing program. These 10 beds provide free to low-cost housing, as well as programs geared towards helping men prepare for independent living.

Clients agree to work with a caseworker on a personalized case plan that is individualized to the client, their needs, goals and unique situation. This case plan always includes long term, short term, and individualized steps to achieve goals related to housing, finances (employment, training, legal issues, new skills, etc.), health and well-being (physical, mental, emotional, addiction/recovery, safety) and social, spiritual, and cultural connections.

FOOD SERVICES

The Salvation Army New Hope Centre has a busy Food Services department. In addition to providing three meals per day to the 53 clients who live at the NHC, we also provide community meals for men and women experiencing food insecurity. Our community meal program is free and provides an important social touchpoint to our community. It is where our staff meet critical needs and get to know individuals accessing our services. It is also where we can offer access to potentially life-changing Salvation Army programming. (The community dining program is temporarily suspended due to the construction project underway at this time.)

The Salvation Army also provides bulk dry goods and frozen products to more than a dozen food banks and charities on Vancouver Island through its Food Recovery Program. Donations are picked up bi-weekly from food manufacturers across southern BC and shared with other social services providers.

Community Residential Facility (CRF)

In 1901, The Salvation Army recommended to the federal government that a prisoner probation system be adopted, leading to Canada’s first parole program. Since that time, The Salvation Army has worked in partnership with the federal government to support safe and successful reintegration in communities across Canada. Studies conclusively show that offenders leaving correctional institutions have a significantly better chance of safely reintegrating into the community when they participate in a community-based residential facility (CRF).

The Nanaimo New Hope Centre’s CRF has 19 beds set aside for clients aged 19-75 in need of such help. Case workers provide support, structure, advice, life skills, and supervision to men and women as they prepare for a second chance at life.

SUPPORT PROGRAMMING

RENT-SMART PROGRAM
The Ready to Rent, RentSmart program is a 12-hour course covering tenant rights and responsibilities; landlord responsibilities and expectations; living with roommates, housemates and neighbours; effective communication skills; budgeting and planning for housing affordability and stability; maintenance do’s and don’ts, as well as crisis management, safety, and pests. Upon completion of the RentSmart Certificate course, participants earn the RentSmart Certificate of Completion, which acts as a reference, letting landlords know that graduates have learned how to be a good tenant. 

This program is free of charge. The program normally running over two days, has been redesigned to be held for 2 hours once a week for 6 weeks, with new participants accepted every 6 weeks & required to attend all program sessions to complete the program & receive a RentSmart certificate. The ideal maximum per program is 15 participants from The Salvation Army and 5 participants from external agencies (as per the conditions of Ready to Rent).  

SPIRITUAL CARE
The Nanaimo NHC strives to meet the spiritual needs of residents, guests, staff, and volunteers. Care is offered through group activities and on a one-on-one basis. This care is part of our holistic mission. The Salvation Army is a Christian movement, and our spiritual care program reflects the principles and values lived out in Jesus Christ. However, we believe that identification with Jesus is best expressed in acceptance and love for our neighbour. While these principles guide our work, we make no attempt to force our beliefs on any resident or client. Engagement in spiritual care services are optional for all program participants. Participants with different faith backgrounds are treated with respect, and referrals are made when requested and where possible.

The NHC spiritual care program includes:

Chaplaincy

• Find support, encouragement, and someone to “walk with you on the journey”

Pastoral Counselling

• Work together to overcome current challenges, set goals and steps to achieve them, and find your purpose​ 

Bible Studies

• Study, reflect, and seek answers to all the big questions

Referrals

• Get connected with a faith community that best suits you

If you are looking for a bible, come to the front desk to get one. We have a variety of translations and text sizes.