Nelson, BC -A community partnership has now paved the way to give more people a place to sleep during this cold winter.
The Salvation Army, along Stepping Stones for Success have partnered to provide six emergency shelter beds until March 31.

“People will be provided with a snack when they come in at night if they so desire and breakfast in the morning before they leave,” said Major Edith Dean of the Salvation Army.

The emergency shelter opened at 11 p.m. January 16 and is located at the Salvation Army. Operated by two Stepping Stones staff, the shelter is open for business between about 11:15 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Since it is one large room, the shelter is only for men but women who need shelter would be housed in a separate room at Stepping Stones, explained that agency’s co-ordinator Carol Hunter.

The shelter came about thanks to funding from the National Homelessness Initiative announced in late December, however Dean and Hunter thought of the idea last spring when the pair chatted about the needs in the community.