Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society

09/09/2026

This past April marked the 10-year anniversary of the toxic drug crisis in BC. Throughout that time over 18,000 people have lost their lives. Last Monday, on August 31, we gathered to remember. We shared with other community agencies and members that the ongoing work we are doing is important and saves lives. We were honored to be a part of this International Overdose Awareness Day, and we took time to remember. Thank you to ASK Wellness Society, Merritt for hosting and for all those who attended to remember your loved ones.

09/01/2026

Help Shape the Future of NVSSS!

Nicola Valley Shelter & Support Society is looking for 3–5 new Volunteer Board Members to join our team!

This is an opportunity to have a voice in the future of our organization and make a difference in the lives of Merritt’s most vulnerable community members.

We are looking for curious and engaged people who bring new perspectives, ideas, skills and lived experience to the table. As an organization serving a community with strong Indigenous roots and a significant Indigenous population, we particularly welcome and value Indigenous leadership, knowledge, perspectives and participation on our Board.

What does becoming a Board Member involve?
⭐Monthly Board meetings - dinner provided!
⭐ Helping guide the future direction of NVSSS
⭐Having a voice in important decisions, policies, & procedures
⭐Opportunities to attend conferences, events and training
⭐Travel, accommodations and expenses covered for approved Board activities
⭐Leadership and governance training
⭐Access to free courses through HSABC.
⭐The right resources to support your role
⭐Shelter events, thank-you gifts and a few treats along the way!

What will you gain?
💠Valuable Board governance and leadership experience
💠New knowledge, skills and training
💠Opportunities to meet new people and build meaningful connections
💠A direct role in shaping the future of NVSSS
💠The chance to help guide decisions that impact our staff, services and the people we support
💠An ongoing opportunity to make a real difference in the Merritt community.

Our Board is currently female-led, and we welcome men, women and people of all backgrounds and experiences who are interested in bringing their perspective and leadership to the table.

Our Board Members provide the insight, direction, guidance and thoughtful oversight that help our organization continue to learn, improve and respond to the needs of our community.

You don't need to know everything about homelessness or shelters to make a difference.
We welcome people with different skills, experiences and perspectives, and we will provide learning opportunities to learn along the way.
Interested to learn more? Email: [email protected]

08/28/2026

We encourage you to join us and ASK Wellness for this important event. It will take place in Merritt, on Monday August 31, 2026, from 10am -2pm. Come and remember those we have lost and stand with us to continue to spread awareness of the toxic drug crisis.
See poster below for details for Merritt.

08/18/2026

It’s been a challenging few weeks here in Merritt, with wildfire threats and smoke lingering over the valley. But Merritonians keep showing up, supporting one another and finding moments of goodness along the way. ❤️

This Tuesday, we’re thankful for Crossroads Community Church, whose youth team joined us at the shelter this past weekend and cooked breakfast for our guests and staff!

Thank you for your kindness, generosity and servant leadership. Your support means so much to our team and the people we serve.

We’re grateful for you, and we are already looking forward to collaborating again soon!

08/17/2026

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08/12/2026

Today, we want to take a moment to say thank you to all the first responders, firefighters, emergency crews, and support teams working tirelessly on the frontlines to protect our communities. ❤

As the only shelter in Merritt, we care for some of the community’s most vulnerable adults. While we remain alert and prepared to mobilize our leadership, staff, and sites should conditions change, we’re incredibly grateful that, for now, our biggest challenge is the smoke. We are doing our best to make sure our guests and staff have the masks, air filtration, water, and support they need to get through these uncertain days.

There is such reassurance in knowing that behind the scenes, countless people are working long hours, leaving their families, and putting themselves in harm’s way to protect people, homes, communities, and so much of BC.

There really aren’t enough words to express our gratitude. 🙏

To the firefighters and first responders on the frontlines, and to everyone supporting them: you are the heroes right now. 💪🙌

Join us in saying THANK YOU to everyone working so hard to keep our communities safe.

07/28/2026

As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of our community, and they always find ways to help with every need we have. Most recently, we were blessed with a couch from St. Michael's Anglican Church. It may seem like a small thing, but for us, a couch is a very practical piece of furniture that can meet the needs of our guests in unique ways.

07/02/2026

Happy Canada Day from all of us at Nicola Valley Shelter & Support Society! ❤️🤍

We kicked off our small celebration yesterday with a delicious breakfast cookout for our staff and guests. A huge thank you to our amazing Chef, Dieter, whose pancakes and eggs may just be the best in British Columbia! It was a wonderful way to start the day. We heard from many of our guests about how much they enjoyed the special meal.

As the day unfolded, the soccer balls and footballs came out, staff activity increased and our garden space was decorated with Canadian flags, flowers, and festive touches. We wrapped up the afternoon by sharing s'mores around a propane fire table (safely—no campfires here!) and simply enjoying time together. Our staff got into the spirit with their Canada Day hats and gear, making for some great photos!

We hope your Canada Day was also filled with moments of connection, celebration, and joy. Here's to a wonderful July ahead, with plenty of sunshine, warm days, and opportunities to come together as a community. ☀️🍁

07/01/2026

06/24/2026

Yesterday, NVSSS hosted an Indigenous Day celebration at St. Michael’s Community Centre, alongside the weekly Merritt Breadbasket & Soup Bowl Tuesday gathering.

We are grateful to the Government of Canada for funding this special event, which brought so many community members together to celebrate, and connect. A big thank you to the Elders who led the gathering with prayers, drumming, and songs, while guests enjoyed Bannock and watermelon in the beautiful weather.

Staff wore their regalia, made especially for the day- which made the event even more memorable.

A special thank you to all our staff, who helped make this event such a success. Your presence and participation are what make these gatherings carry impact!

We look forward to hosting more opportunities like this, so follow us for more and stay tuned!