The impending closure of the Nicol Street Hub

The Hub, a drop in centre for people experiencing homelessness, is set to close at the end of the month. Located on Nicol street, it opened in January of last year. During the day, Island crisis care society runs a drop in centre where people can sit inside, use a bathroom, and connect with various service providers. At night the space transitions to a 20 bed shelter run by Nanaimo Family Life Association.

Last summer, Nanaimo City Council voted to continue funding The Hub only until the end of March, following concerns presented by residents of the neighbourhood surrounding the facility about a significant increase in street disorder in the blocks surrounding the area.

Midcoast Morning visited The Hub and spoke with day and nighttime service operators and service users. CHLY reporter Lauryn Mackenzie spoke with residents of the south end, and the program heard from Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog about the city’s plans for the transition period as The Hub approaches its final days on Nicol Street.

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Podcast Photo: Cece, a service user at the Hub (Lauryn Mackenzie/CHLY 101.7FM).