The Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society is here to help.
Supporting people. Strengthening community.
At Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society, we provide safe, low-barrier shelter and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness in Merritt.
We meet people where they are, while helping them move toward stability, connection, and change.
Who We Are
We are a 24/7 shelter and support service offering a safe place for individuals who have nowhere else to go.
Our work is rooted in dignity, respect, and accountability—to both the people we serve and the community we are part of.
What We Do
Emergency shelter (40 beds)
Outreach and connection to services
Meals and basic supports
Overdose prevention services
Case planning and referrals
We work alongside healthcare providers, Indigenous partners, and community agencies to support each person’s next step.
What our Shelter is for:
We know there are questions about what a shelter like this means for a community.
What we are:
A supervised, structured environment
A place for people to stabilize and access support
A connection point to housing, health care, and recovery services
What we are not:
unsupervised space
A permanent housing solution
A place that ignores community impact
Our role is to reduce harm, improve safety, and support movement toward healthier, more stable futures.
A Path Forward
While emergency shelter is often the first step, it is not the end of the journey.
We actively support individuals in exploring next steps. Maybe that’s reconnecting with family, accessing treatment, or moving toward more stable housing. Our Outreach team is the heart of our team, connecting marginalized people to resources and support in real time.
We are also working with partners to explore future housing options that support people ready for the next stage of their recovery and stability.
Our Story
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 that is 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 32 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. NVSSS offers stability, care, and hope for brighter futures.