Secondary benefits of the OPSEmergency housingNeighbourhood concerns / dry shelterNeighbours living near Stepping Stones say the shelter has brought ongoing noise, drug activity and disruption to the area. Stepping Stones on Vernon Street is Nelson’s only emergency shelter. And then there’s overdose prevention sites, which really came online during the pandemic, which are much more community driven, much more accessible. Motta says Stepping Stones has referred many people to treatment, but getting people into treatment and keeping them there can be challenging. ”Motta says Stepping Stones were able to secure housing for 32 people who accessed emergency shelter services during the last fiscal year.