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Blankets needed for Nelson winter

Stepping Stones for Success – the Nelson based homeless shelter servicing the West Kootenay area – is holding a blanket drive.

Stepping Stones for Success – the Nelson based homeless shelter servicing the West Kootenay area – is holding a blanket drive. Between now and December 31 the Nelson-based shelter is requesting donations of sleeping bags, blankets, tents and knapsacks.

Now that the winter months are here, those who do not have a roof over their heads will be turning to Stepping Stones for temporary shelter. However, with only 17 beds, there are times when the shelter is forced to turn people away and for many, sleeping on the street is their only option.

With your help, they can do their best to keep them warm by giving out blankets and sleeping bags.

“As the colder months start to come upon us, the use of the shelter increases, as do the turnaways,” said Klee Hunter, manager of affordable and emergency housing.

“Not being able to house people in need is always difficult for the staff at Stepping Stones and it becomes even more heart-breaking for them in the winter. Offering a sleeping bag, warm blankets and/or a tent allows for people to be able to keep warm as they wait for a room in the shelter.”

If you have a new or slightly used sleeping bag, blanket, knapsack or tent you would like to donate, please drop it off at 567 Ward Street, #7 buzzer. All donations will be greatly appreciated. Please do not bring coats, sweaters or other clothing as they have enough of these for the time being

Stepping Stones for Success is a program of the Nelson CARES Society and has been in operation in Nelson since December 2004 with funding from BC Housing’s Emergency Shelter Program. Over the past seven years, the shelter has provided temporary housing to over 1,500 people.

For more information contact Stepping Stones by phoning 250-352-9876 or by emailing steppingstones@nelsoncares.ca.