
We meet people where they are.
Street Reach
Having a safe, affordable roof over your head is something to which everyone should have access. Navigating the many resources to find housing, financial assistance, health care, and specific services to promote wellness and recovery can be extremely difficult without help.
CMHA Mid-island strives to break the cycle of homelessness by supporting people to find a good place to call home. In addition, our team works in collaboration with the community to ensure that people have the supports necessary to maintain their housing long term.
Connect
Nanaimo
Monday to Friday
8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Phone: (250) 716-8823
Email: streetreach@cmhamidisland.ca
Oceanside
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Phone: (250) 240-5272
Email: streetreach@cmhamidisland.ca
Support
Immediate outreach help, which may include a referral to an emergency shelter for a place to sleep, wash, and eat
Case-planning help to assist you get identification, receive income assistance, and set housing goals
Connections with culturally appropriate services and/or Indigenous community linkages
Assistance with finding housing options and provide support with the application and move-in process (rent supplements may be available to support this process). Outreach workers may accompany you to appointments and/or housing viewings
References to support services such as health care, counselling and addiction recovery
Help with more permanent housing options, including supportive housing and subsidized housing
Being a resource for housing providers or landlords and being able to answer their questions and concerns
Rent Supplements
THE RENT SUPPLEMENTS ARE FUNDED BY BC HOUSING AND ARE PROVIDED AS A FLEXIBLE, TIMELY OPTION FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WHO ARE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS (OR AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS) WHO DO NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT FUNDS TO EITHER FIND OR MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE HOUSING.
THE RENT SUPPLEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO PROVIDE A TOP UP TO RENT OR PROVIDE “BRIDGE” FUNDS THAT WILL HELP HOUSE PEOPLE QUICKLY (OR RESPOND PRIOR TO AN EVICTION).
Eligibility Criteria:
HOMELESS (ABSOLUTE OR RELATIVE), OR AT-RISK OF HOMELESSNESS
UNABLE TO ACCESS CRISIS FUNDING/GRANTS ELSEWHERE (I.E. MSD, I.A)
WILLINGNESS TO ACCESS SUPPORT FROM COMMUNITY AGENCY WHERE APPROPRIATE TO ADDRESS ANY OUTSTANDING BARRIERS TO FINDING AND MAINTAINING HOUSING
There Are Two Types Of Supplements
• ONE-TIME CRISIS
• MONTHLY RENT