Nanaimo’s Jesse’s House to Support Families of Hospitalized Children

Families seeking healthcare for their children in Nanaimo will soon have access to a new facility designed to support them during challenging times. The **Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island** announced plans to build **Jesse’s House**, a dedicated accommodation for families visiting the **Nanaimo Regional General Hospital**. The project was unveiled at a groundbreaking ceremony on **October 8, 2023**, with an anticipated cost of **$10 million**.

This facility will be the third in the foundation’s “home away from home” program, joining similar homes in **Victoria** and **Campbell River**. Jesse’s House will feature **16 bedrooms** and will be constructed in the northeast parking lot of the hospital, adjacent to the **Nanaimo Public Health Unit** and **Kiwanis Village Lodge** long-term care.

So far, the foundation has successfully raised **$7 million** towards the project, with significant contributions from community partners such as **Coastal Community Credit Union**, **Budget**, the **Rogers Foundation**, and an anonymous donor who provided a generous **$2 million** gift. The facility will operate under a **40-year lease** agreement with **Island Health**, and the hospital will replace any parking spaces used for the construction.

Community Impact and Personal Stories

The initiative is particularly meaningful to **Sheri Shanahan**, a Nanaimo resident and the mother of the late **Jesse**, after whom the facility is named. Jesse was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at **Victoria General Hospital** shortly after her premature birth. During this difficult time, Sheri utilized the foundation’s existing program, **Jeneece Place**. At the ceremony, she reflected on her experience, noting the absence of similar support in her hometown.

“I met families who were struggling, sleeping in motorhomes on the street, paying for hotels they couldn’t afford or driving back and forth just to be near their baby,” Sheri shared. After Jesse’s tragic passing, she committed herself to raising awareness and funds to establish a home away from home in Nanaimo. Her efforts included raising **$30,000**, which was matched by the **Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation** for essential medical equipment in the neonatal unit.

Paul Murray, chairperson of the foundation’s board, expressed his excitement about expanding services to families in the region. “It’s wonderful to see the foundation expand into Nanaimo to support families north of the Malahat who need to travel to access care for their kids,” he stated. “Jesse’s House will have such a large impact for generations to come, and we are excited to work alongside the community to bring it to life.”

Support from Local Leaders

Nanaimo Mayor **Leonard Krog** also highlighted the importance of this initiative during the groundbreaking. He shared a personal story from his childhood, recalling his time in the same hospital and the longing for family visits. “It is lonely when you are a kid,” he remarked, emphasizing the emotional support that Jesse’s House will provide to families during their hospital stays.

Construction of the facility is expected to be completed by **spring 2027**. Donations to support this vital project can be made through the foundation’s website at **http://islandkidsfirst.com**. This initiative not only aims to alleviate the hardships faced by families during medical crises but also seeks to create a nurturing environment for those in need.