Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society

Food Services and picture of person wearing a white smock serving food from a tray a prepared food. #shelterfood, #shelterservice, #foodservicesprogram

Our Mission:

The Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society provides protection, care, and support to individuals in the Merritt region who are experiencing poverty, homelessness, or housing insecurity. We offer stability, security, and resources to help people rebuild their lives with dignity.

Our Vision:

A community where every person has the stability, support, and opportunity to rebuild, and reimagine their future and live with hope.

Our Values:

  • Compassion – We meet every individual with dignity, empathy, and respect.

  • Transparency – We act with honesty and accountability in all we do.

  • Equity & Inclusion – We are committed to fairness and belonging for all, regardless of race, gender, beliefs, age or abilities.

  • Cultural Safety – We honour Indigenous traditions, culture-based programming, and diverse identities in every aspect of our work.

  • Community Mindedness – We work in partnership with the community to build trust, support, and shared solutions.

  • Client-Centered Care – We place the needs and voices of our clients at the heart of every decision.

A stone bench with the engraved name 'COMPASSION' in a park setting with trees and people in the background.

“Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction.”

- Germany Kent-

Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society: Leadership Team

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Executive Director

Nyasha Manyanye

Grants and Fundraising

Katherine Stegner

Shelter Manager

John Warne

Finance & Administration:

Olha Yakubovych

Food Services Supervisor- Chef

Dieter Jennens

Community Engagement & Communications Coordinator

Leanna Wereley

Emergency Response Coordinator

Adrianna Darling

Outreach and Wellness

Coordinator

Erin Abbott

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Board Member

Della Provost

Board Member

Elizabeth Perdok- Waboose

NVSSS Board Members : Pictures coming soon

FAQs

  • All donations provided to the shelter go to provide for basic services, including meal support, laundry services, and other shelter needs. The donations stay in Merritt and directly support the operation of Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society. We are grateful for the community support and recognize the need to be transparent and accountable to all our sponsors and donors.

  • There are so many ways to support the Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society. Many start by becoming a kitchen volunteer and supporting the meal service and food prep in our community kitchen. Others drop off needed shelter items to our community partners, and others join our peer groups that directly support life changes for our residents. Please email info@nvsss.ca to learn more.

  • Many support systems are in place at NVSSS, and our first measure of safety is for those who live within the shelter. Through individualized care and accountability, our staff can assist with the day-to-day needs and activities of our clients. The white fence allows privacy and anonymity for all our guests, and continues to provide security for our community, as well as the surrounding City of Merritt and the Nicola Valley Region.

A landscaped garden with grass, rocks, and trees in front of a white fence, with power lines and hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.