Nelson CARES Society has been recognized as 2020 ‘Housing Provider of the Year’ by the BC Non-Profit Housing Association. This award recognizes that Nelson CARES has demonstrated resilience in the face of a major challenge to their operations or developments.

Nelson CARES Society has undertaken four major housing projects over the past few years for the community of Nelson.  All the projects are unique and support different populations. With the renewal of Ward Street Place, Cedar Grove Estates and with two new buildings, Hall Street Place and Lakeside Place on the horizon, the Nelson CARES Society Board of Directors and staff have demonstrated how a small community organization can make significant positive change happen.

“We couldn’t be happier to recognize the Nelson CARES Society with our Housing Provider of the Year award,” said Jill Atkey, CEO of BCNPHA. “They took a challenging situation, engaged the community and surpassed their goals. They have not only continued to provide housing and important services for vulnerable Nelson residents, they are also expanding to ensure housing and supports for local seniors. Nelson CARES is an inspiring example of our resilient sector, and all of us here at BCNPHA extend our sincerest congratulations!”

The ‘Housing Provider of the Year’ award recognizes not only the two new affordable accommodation projects underway in 2020, it celebrates all the work that has been done over the last eight years to sustain and develop affordable housing in Nelson. The award was only possible with the partnership of BC Housing, Columbia Basin Trust, CMHC, local businesses and most importantly, the members of our community. When they received the news that they would be this year’s provincial recipient they were truly overwhelmed.

“Serving on the Board of Directors has been a very rewarding experience,” said Ron Little, Board Chair. “To see the manifestation of what it means to ‘reach out to support the most vulnerable members of our community’ is gratifying and to be recognized by our peers across the province puts an exclamation point on all of it.”

“This award, in any year, would be a remarkable achievement, but amid 2020 and the threat of COVID 19, the service Nelson CARES provides is a testament to the dedicated staff who serve our community. This recognition belongs to everyone who leaned in and never wavered in answering the call during the most challenging year in more than a century.” Jenny Robinson, Executive Director, Nelson CARES Society.

The criteria for the award that the BCNPHA asks that the housing provider has developed and implemented a strong and sustained response to an internal or external challenge, has ensured that its residents were supported through a challenge or crisis, and has engaged residents in meaningful ways through its crisis response, as developed and/or updated business continuity plans in light of their experiences sustaining services through a crisis. These are all values that Nelson CARES Society strives to meet with all of their community work.

Call for interview:

Jenny Robinson, Executive Director, Nelson CARES Society

250 505-7577

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