Nelson Community steps up during COVID-19 pandemic
By Timothy Schafer
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the community in Nelson has stepped up to provide numerous options for families less fortunate as well as those needing support to deal with self isolation as BC Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has suggested.
Some of those local resources include:
- Stepping Stones
250-352-9876
Stepping Stones is still operating their shelter but may need to stop drop-in services for the near future.
It has been requested that community service providers check in to see what the situation is with intakes to the temporary shelter prior to referring clients.
The helter provides beds for people in need on a first come, first serve basis. Potential clients are required to arrive at 8 p.m. and leave in the morning by 8 a.m.
The vestibule in back of Stepping Stones has been stocked with food, coffee, tents and sleeping bags for folks in need to grab and go.
- ANKORS
On-site services have been suspended, but harm reduction supplies are still available.
Folks can drop-off drug testing samples and pick up fetanyl test strips during office hours (9:30-4:30, closed from 12-1).
Clients are encouraged to knock on the front window for Harm Reduction Supplies and to call Laura (250-505-2426) if they are in need of support.
Gender Outlaws is meeting via Zoom; call office for details. HIV and Hep-C support health navigation provided by phone; contact Laura (250-505-2426).
- Nelson Community Food Centre
250-551-0305; 250 354 1633
Nelsoncfc.ca; 602 Silica Street
Wednesdays, 1–5 p.m. (by appointment only).
The NCFC will be postponing their group activities but will continue providing food through their food bank by appointment only.
Clients should call ahead to make an appointment.
- Nelson Mental Health and Substance Use
333 Victoria Street; 250-505-7248
Nelson Mental Health is continuing to provide all client services at this time.
As the situation could change at any time, clients should call ahead to ensure that the services they require are still available.
- Salvation Army
(250) 352-3488
Drop-in and shower services are presently closed.
Breakfast hours have been changed to 10-12, Monday-Friday. Food bank is available by appointment from 10-1.
- Our Daily Bread
(250) 352-1722
Drop-in is closed.
Breakfast will be held from 9-10 and lunch from 12-1 (bagged food only).
Home delivery of food is an option; email office@kcfoffice.com for details ($20 fee still applies).
- Women’s Centre
420 Mill St; (250) 352-9916
Drop-in services have been closed.
Folks can access food at the door on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-4.
Staff are available by phone for counselling resources and support with referrals to other resources.
- Public washrooms
– Lions Park 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
– Lakeside (soccer fields) 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
– Lakeside (café) 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
– Hall St. Portaloo 5 a.m. — 10 p.m. (also outside hand washing station).
- Public pay phones
– Stanley St Telus building
– WorkSafe Victoria St
– 7-11
- Nelson Public Library
The Nelson Public Library has closed its physical location.
But check out resources like Gale courses, Lynda.com and Pronuciator for free online training courses.
If you do not have a library card, you can apply for one online here: https://nelson.bc.libraries.coop/using-the-library/how-to/sign-up-for-a-library-card/
- Nelson Community Services
(250) 352-3504
Groups have been postponed and individual services are being offered remotely.
- Nelson Cares
(250) 352-6011
Front office is closed to the public, but folks can still reach the main office by telephone. Most resources have been redirected to maintain the shelter and group-homes.
- St Saviour’s Food Pantry
701 Ward St; (250) 352-5711
Open Friday mornings, 9-11 a.m. People are asked to go in one at a time (no coffee service).
- BC Transit
No fares for BC Transit, including handyDART. Rear door boarding only.
Local resources: Slocan
- WE Graham Community Services Society
250-355-2484
WEGCSS has implemented a two-week response plan that impacts the majority of their in-person services.
They will continue to offer their food bank program without the option for a hot lunch. Their office is presently closed to the public and staff are encouraged to work from home.
- BC Transit
No fares for BC Transit, including handyDART. Rear door boarding only.
— Source: Community Futures Central Kootenay
