As Nanaimo social housing projects experience predictable, continuing opposition, citizens are invited down to the 7-10
The City of Nanaimo’s 2008 homelessness action plan [opens to PDF] estimated there were anywhere from two to three hundred individuals sleeping outside or in their vehicles or makeshift shelters—and hundreds more living in unsafe or unstable conditions and vulnerable to losing their housing and becoming homeless. The situation had generated considerable concern for Nanaimo residents, government agencies, service providers and elected officials and led to a general recognition of the need for a collective response.
But now that social housing projects to house homeless and vulnerably housed people in various parts of the city are being announced, neighbourhood groups have been protesting the plans and fearing negative impacts. City politicians acknowledge that the housing strategy has become a contentious political issue.
We speak with Gord Fuller of the Nanaimo 7-10 Club, who has invited anyone concerned about social housing to come down to the Club and meet some of the people who might end up living in the housing projects.
