Nelson CARES Society
Each month, your Co-op features a new local non-profit organization at the tills, with all till donations going directly to that group! When you shop this month, you can donate spare change or add a couple dollars to your bill to support Nelson CARES Society.
A Safe Space for Everyone
Most of us have somewhere to go when a day turns hard. A kitchen table, a friend’s couch, someone who picks up the phone. For many in our community, those places are few and far between. The Nelson CARES Drop-In Centre is one of the places that helps fill that gap.
Last week we spent some time with Taryn (Drop-In Coordinator) and her team at the Drop-In Centre, on the bottom floor of the Salvation Army building. The room was warm and filled with art and photos, and the scent of soup being made for the day. Talking with them, it became clear how many people in our community depend on their services, and just as clear how much care the staff put into keeping it a place where people can come as they are.
Every Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm, the Drop-In offers low-barrier access to the things most of us don’t think twice about: a meal, a shower, clean laundry, a change of clothes. There’s access to nurses, and referrals to mental health and housing supports. It’s a community-led response, supported by Coordinated Access and the Nelson Committee on Homelessness.
It’s also one part of a much larger picture. Over four decades, Nelson CARES has grown into one of Nelson’s largest and most diverse non-profits, with programs that include affordable rental housing, an emergency shelter, residential and employment services for adults with disabilities, and legal information and victim services.
All through October, you can support the Nelson CARES Drop-In by adding a donation at the till, or by giving online at nelsoncares.ca/donate. The Drop-In is also running a men’s clothing drive. Donations go directly to the Drop-In on the bottom floor of the Salvation Army building. Please contact Scot Young at 780-720-1147 before bringing items.
Dignity is a simple thing to offer. Offering it week after week is harder. The team at the Drop-In does both.
