Johnson told CHLY, she has seen firsthand the need for more support and services in the community as the number of those unhoused continues to grow. (Lauryn Mackenzie / CHLY 101.7fm)

As the cost of living continues to rise and the number of those unhoused increases, a mid-island non-profit group is making sure no one is alone during the holiday season.

According to a 2024 Point-In-Time Count led by Snuneymuxw First Nation and United Way BC, over 600 people are living unhoused in the Nanaimo area, which is a 100-person-plus increase over the previous count in 2023.

Risebridge is a local non-profit that offers programs and services to low-income families and those unhoused. They offer a night-time shelter for about 24 people at their 520 Prideaux Street location in Nanaimo, along with a community daytime drop-in shelter on Tuesdays and Fridays.

This year, they have expanded their services with a seven-day-a-week outreach program for those in need of support in the Oceanside area. They are also offering a community drop-in program on Wednesdays in Parksville at 345 Pym Street for people to access community resources and supplies such as food, clothing, and personal hygiene items.

Jovanne Johnson, Risebridge’s executive director, told CHLY, she has seen firsthand the need for more support and services in the community as the number of those unhoused continues to grow.

“We radically decided to offer advocacy five years ago, as a very small team of us who were already working in the community. Five years ago, in that November and the cold night across from the Vault [Cafe], it was because there was no access to services and spaces, and we knew that there were a couple 100 folks that were really vulnerable and in need in our community at that time,” Johnson said. “Over the past five years, we've seen lots of changes happen in our community, but unfortunately, we have not added more resources, provisions and services, and in fact, I think we've lost a lot of you know, those lifelines for folks who are really struggling.”

She said that as food and housing prices continue to rise, the level of need has also risen. She said now more than ever, it is important for everyone to look out for their neighbours, whether they are housed or unhoused.

“I think holidays for everyone are usually a mixed bag,” Johnson said. “Sometimes it can be an emotional or turbulent time, especially for those who may be away from family or distant from family, for whatever reason. It's also a very cold time in our community, and the mid-Island area, as usual, unfortunately, is lacking in social support services.”

On Tuesday, December 23, Risebridge will be holding a holiday-themed community drop-in session at their Nanaimo location during their regular hours of 9 a.m. to noon. People will be able to access extra holiday food along with the regular service offerings of free clothing, shoes, and community support.

On Christmas Day, community members in Nanaimo accessing the Risebridge night-time shelter will be able to join in on a festive Christmas program.

On New Year’s Eve in Parksville, Risebridge will again host a holiday-themed drop-in session from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with holiday food, alongside their regular services.

Johnson said these events are for anyone who wants to have community connections and to celebrate the holidays together.

“I think over the holiday season, my hope is that we continue to connect with what the purpose of the celebrations over the holidays were supposed to be [wether] that's Christmas, or whatever other holiday that people may be celebrating within their their households and look to each other to be that light, or to share that light and those resources, if that capacity is there,” Johnson said. “If folks are perhaps listening to this and also needing that support or community connection, knowing that there are low-barrier services out there, Risebridge or others might be able to be there to support them during the holiday season.”

If community members want to donate to Risebridge, Johnson said, during this time, they are in need of more clothing items such as jackets, shoes, boots, and rain gear, along with survival gear for those living without shelter, such as tents, flashlights, hand warmers, and tarps.

Donations can be dropped off at 520 Prideaux St in Nanaimo during their community drop-in times of 9 a.m. to noon.

Information for how to donate monetarily or how to donate an item from their Amazon wishlist can be found on their website www.risebridgeproject.ca/connect-and-donate.

Funding Note: This story was produced with funding support from the Local Journalism Initiative, administered by the Community Radio Fund of Canada.