Members of the Nelson Housing Initiative came up with a novel way to draw attention to Nelson's low vacancy rate during Homelessness Action Week: they set up a cardboard village on Baker Street.
"Our community has to make our incoming mayor and council make ending homelessness a number one priority," they said in a news release. "The solutions for this crisis must include supportive housing."
While they acknowledged city council has taken steps toward creating housing in Nelson for seniors and students, they said the "most vulnerable" populations are left out in the cold.
"We believe that in order to pull ourselves as a community out of this crisis, council must take a serious leadership role in creating affordable, low income and supportive housing for all."
The village was later moved in front of city hall.