Project Description
EMERGENCY HOUSING SERVICES
A safe place to turn when housing becomes uncertain.
Homelessness can happen to anyone. A lost job, a family crisis, or challenges with physical or mental health can quickly push a vulnerable person into a housing emergency. When that happens, Stepping Stones is here.
Operated by Nelson CARES Society, Stepping Stones provides 24/7 emergency shelter for individuals in the Kootenays who have nowhere else to go. Each year, we offer hundreds of people a warm, dry bed, hot meals, and a safe place to regroup.
Many guests stay for only a short time while they stabilize, gather resources, and prepare to return to independent living. Others come back more frequently seeking shelter and support. In every case, our team helps connect people with financial, medical, and housing resources—providing the essentials they need to rebuild their lives.
Stepping Stones is a key part of Nelson CARES Society’s commitment to ending homelessness and expanding access to affordable housing in our community. We are proud to operate this service in partnership with BC Housing.
Stepping Stones is Nelson’s only emergency shelter. It is located at 816 Vernon Street in Nelson, British Columbia.
Housing up to 17 people, in five bunk-style bedrooms, with a stay of up to 30 days. It is a low barrier,harm reduction, safe and supportive environment.
There is staff on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support people and make referrals to access social services, find stable housing and employment.
Stepping Stones receives community support through out the year. Local businesses and community groups work with us to address homeless issues by making generous donations of goods and services
The shelter accepts donations that are clean and in good condition. Acceptable items include include: tents, sleeping bags (not cotton), sleeping mats, coats, boots, and winter clothes. In particular men’s small/medium pants, size 9 and up men’s shoes, socks and single bed comforters and all blankets. The shelter does not accept anything for children.
STEPPING STONES IS FUNDED BY:
