Land Acknowledgment

We acknowledge with respect and gratitude that the Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society operates on the traditional, unceded, and ancestral territories of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx (Okanagan) peoples.

We recognize the deep, enduring relationships that these Nations have with this land, water, and community. Their stewardship, cultures, and knowledge systems continue to shape the Nicola Valley.

 We honour the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples past and present, and we are committed to walking alongside local Nations in the spirit of truth, reconciliation, and respect.

Two people sitting close together with their hands clasped. One person wears a denim jacket and the other wears a black top. The background is dark.

The Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society is here to help.

 Our Story

A landscaped outdoor area with a stone pathway leading to a building with a porch, surrounded by grass, trees, and large rocks, under an overcast sky.

The Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society (NVSSS) is a grassroots non-profit in Merritt, BC, dedicated to supporting people facing homelessness since 2012. What began with a small group of volunteers has grown into a vital lifeline, offering a 40-bed, 24/7 shelter, meals, case management, and outreach—always rooted in dignity and respect.

Guided by a committed Board and in partnership with BC Housing, NVSSS now operates from the former Knights Inn with 28 staff providing safe accommodations, an OPS monitoring site, and individualized support. Beyond shelter, NVSSS connects clients to healthcare, recovery programs, financial aid, housing, and Indigenous cultural supports—offering stability, care, and hope for brighter futures.