Building Project Update

When the congregation moved to the current site in the 1960’s, national church guidelines required they purchase two acres.  As early as then, we were discussing what housing could look like.  

In 2022, God led us to hold a needs assessment on our 2 acre property.  We asked “what might God be calling us to do with our property.”  The survey was filled out by congregation members, neighbors, participants in programs run from our site like the food bank and community lunch.  We spoke with businesses around us, and politicians from the City of Nanaimo. 

The overwhelming majority of respondents indicated housing for low-income families and seniors was the primary need.

God hadn’t called us to be landlords, or building managers. Our mission is to carry Christ’s light into Nanaimo and the world.  So, in October of ‘23, we signed a memorandum of understanding with Island Crisis Care Society (ICCS) to investigate building housing.  They brought decades of experience in operating housing for the most vulnerable, experience in building housing, and were well known to BC Housing who we hoped would fund the project.  

Next, we needed a builder.  We interviewed Kindredworks, the United Church in Canada’s property development agency.  And, we met with Walter Hoogland.  Walter brought decades of experience in BC, had worked with multiple projects and ICCS, and was familiar with navigating BC Housing.  He was the clear choice to lead the build.

We would provide the land, Hoogland would build, BC Housing would fund it, and ICCS would operate the building.  

We formed a Housing Liaison team (HLT) that would be the bridge between the congregation, Walter and ICCS.  They led a Town Hall meeting where the hopes of the congregation were gathered.  They also used a survey to get feedback.

With this in hand, the HLT met with Walter, Violet & Corrie from ICCS (executive director and community development lead), and architect Maris MacDonald.  A very tentative plan is being developed. 

Next steps will be a meeting with the city of Nanaimo planning office to see what’s possible, and BC Housing to see what they’ll fund. 

Once we know these, a firmer plan will be brought to the congregation for feedback.

Please continue to pray with us for God to lead in the way that brings the most good to the most people.