Who are We?

Cicada Place is an innovative youth housing and services program located in beautiful Nelson, BC, Canada. Cicada Place is the first youth project in BC to combine a support program and housing facility under one roof. It provides supported transitional housing (for 6 months to 2 years) for 10-13 youths who are participants in the Independence for Youth Program (IFY).

On May 01, 1999, the Nelson Community Services Centre (NCSC) inaugerated “Cicada Place”, an 11-unit building that provides supported housing for youth ages 16-22 years old that are participants of the IFY Program. Youth must be attending school, working or actively seeking employment. Youth enter into a Program Agreement that must be honored. Drugs and alcohol are prohibited at Cicada Place.

The IFY Program offers: Weekly Group Sessions with a focus on independence and responsibility; Counselling for IFY youth; and One-on-one Sessions for youth who are unable to attend the weekly group meetings or who are in need of other assistance.

The name “Cicada” was chosen for its symbolism (its analogy to youth development). The Cicada takes 17 years to mature. During the transition phase, it exudes a foam for its warmth and protection (symbolic of the housing facility). It is also a symbol of rebirth in Chinese folklore.

Please browse the links at the left to check out the services available to youth at Cicada Place.