The Shelter Management Team is very pleased to announce that Paul Manly has been hired as our new Unitarian Shelter Executive Director, effective Mon., March 28th.

Manly, Green MP for Nanaimo-Ladysmith from 2019-2021, comes to us with a wealth of experience working for Nanaimo organizations assisting the poor and marginalized.

As a federal MP, he influenced government policy on such issues as reform of long-term care and protections for people with diverse abilities.

As producer/director of his own film company, Manly Media, he created films that focused on marginalized populations and social justice as well as the environment and food security.

A program coordinator for Nanaimo Foodshare, Manly worked with youth facing barriers to employment to give them skills training and experience. He also created and coordinated the Cultivating Abilities employment skills training and work experience program for people with diverse abilities.

“I am very pleased to be joining the Nanaimo Unitarian Shelter team,” Manly says. “I have a deep commitment to working with people who face challenges and barriers in their lives, and assisting them with meeting their immediate needs.” 

“The Nanaimo Unitarian Shelter plays a crucial role in our community by providing emergency shelter and other basic necessities to community members in their time of need.“

We know that with Paul’s passion, dedication and skills, we will continue the tradition of excellent leadership established by our previous executive directors.