Addiction recovery and homelessness are concerns in many parts of the world. Although they are a struggle for those suffering, there are organizations dedicated to helping people overcome housing insecurity and addiction and get back on their feet. DP World Canada recognizes those who give back to the communities in which we live, work and play. Island Crisis Care Society (ICCS) is a Nanaimo nonprofit that lends support to those recovering from crises such as addiction, precarious housing, and poverty who are seeking a new beginning.
How the Island Crisis Care Society Got Its Start
ICCS put down roots in the early 1980s, when a group of people set out to help those struggling with homelessness. They realized that everyone needs a safe place to stay, warm meals, and other resources to help them get back on their feet. Using the Biblical story of the Good Samaritan as inspiration, ICCS set out to support the individuals who had been overlooked and rejected in the community. The Nanaimo-based nonprofit leased an old Victorian mansion on Nicol Street in Nanaimo, named it Samaritan House, and began welcoming folks in.
Today, their goal remains to help meet the immediate physical needs of all those who come to their door, provide affordable housing for low-income families, offer guidance and support, develop programmes to improve the quality of life, and bring comfort and care to those who need it most.
“Housing First”
ICCS goes beyond providing shelter. Its overarching philosophy encompasses the notion that while it’s important for people who are struggling to take the first step in seeking help, it’s also important that support organizations meet people at whatever stage of the journey they are in with unwavering care. In order for people struggling with challenges of homelessness, substance use or mental health to get the full benefit of finding recovery, they first must have their basic needs met. This “housing first” approach prioritizes shelter, adequate meals, and provides a generally safe space for people to begin recovery.
Of course, homelessness is not exclusive to those who have substance use or mental health challenges. It can happen to anyone. “Housing first” recognizes that people experience varying degrees of difficulty and have many reasons for ending up in crisis. ICCS is there for anyone who needs them.
Emergency Shelter, Assisted Living, and Stabilization
With their mission in mind, ICCS currently operates a dozen different programmes designed to support the Nanaimo and Parksville communities with emergency housing, stabilization, and supportive recovery. For instance, ICCS’s crisis stabilization programmes provide housing to those in immediate crisis. Stabilization houses offer sobering beds, comfortable and tranquil spaces, and the support of ICCS workers. Individuals who have suffered traumas related to homelessness are often fearful and exhausted—ICCS provides environments for them to heal and regroup before moving forward with their recovery.
The transitional housing options allow those who are ready for more independence to begin integrating back into Vancouver Island society.
Though efforts have been made to reduce the factors that cause homelessness in Nanaimo and Parksville, the need for support continues. ICCS is working to find new ways to support client wellbeing and recovery. Part of this will be the creation of a new program hub in 2021 offering, among other things, training and pre-employment skills to clients, supporting them on their path towards recovery and independence. This ambitious new work, provisionally titled Project Rise, will provide an opportunity for client community integration and new areas for partnership and development.
How Can Your Business Support ICCS?
ICCS always welcomes volunteers. In fact, they’re built on volunteer efforts. As a volunteer, businesses and individuals can help with tasks like delivering meals, preparing meals, gardening, or teaching new skills to those in the programme.
Another way businesses can get involved with ICCS is by joining the Coldest Night of the Year movement in February each year. While this is an event that takes place in Canada overall and is not exclusive to ICCS, the Nanaimo nonprofit is in charge of establishing the Nanaimo and Oceanside walks on Vancouver Island. This walk helps raise money for issues like poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness.
Even more exciting, ICCS is looking for business partners and sponsors to support the new initiatives in Project Rise. Though still under development, the rapidly evolving project planning includes new areas like employment training, lifeskills orientation, establishment of new social enterprises in which ICCS clients will work and gain confidence to move forward independently, as well as a potential new residential programme aimed at giving a safe space for recovery and independence. Across all of these areas, ICCS is actively seeking partnerships to ensure success, and establish long term links with the wider community.
ICCS holds several community events throughout the year, to raise awareness and support for its work. Although the frequency of events may fluctuate, the need for support is constant; there is always someone who needs help! Businesses with similar outlooks on community support are encouraged to get involved with ICCS in any way they can.
To learn more about ICCS, their programmes, and their events, visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.