Who we are
Open Arms Resource Centre is a non-profit organization serving individuals experiencing, or at risk of homelessness across the Annapolis Valley.
Our work extends far beyond emergency shelter. We provide coordinated supports that help people move from crisis toward stability through outreach, shelter, housing support programs, supportive housing, and affordable housing initiatives.
Everything we do is guided by one simple belief:
Housing is the foundation for stability.
When people have a safe place to call home, they are better positioned to address challenges related to health, employment, income, relationships, and overall wellbeing.
Open Arms exists to walk alongside people on that journey.
Our Mission
Our mission is to create lasting, positive change by supporting individuals out of homelessness and into sustainable housing through evidence-based practices.
Our Vision
Everyone living in the Annapolis Valley has dignified, affordable, and stable housing in the community of their choice.
Our Values
Respect
We honour each person’s unique experiences and perspectives, listening deeply and acting with genuine regard.
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Dignity
We uphold every individual’s worth by providing compassionate support that recognizes their strengths.
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Empathy
We seek to understand each person’s feelings, responding with nonjudgmental support.
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Trust
We build partnerships based on transparency, consistency, and follow-through, creating a safe path toward stable housing.
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Acceptance
We embrace every background and identity, fostering an inclusive community where all belong.
Housing First
Housing First is an evidence-based approach that recognizes housing as the foundation for stability, health, and wellbeing.
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Rather than requiring people to address challenges such as mental health, substance use, or employment before accessing housing, Housing First provides immediate access to permanent housing without preconditions such as treatment participation or sobriety. Once housing is secured, individualized, community-based supports are offered to help people maintain their housing and work toward their own goals.
This approach is rooted in consumer choice, self-determination, harm reduction, and recovery. Individuals are empowered to make decisions about the services they receive, recognizing that lasting progress happens when people have both the stability of housing and the autonomy to shape their own path forward.
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Housing First has become a leading approach to ending chronic homelessness across Canada and internationally. Research has consistently shown that it increases housing stability, improves health and quality of life, reduces interactions with emergency services and the justice system, and creates better outcomes for individuals and communities alike.
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At Open Arms, Housing First is the philosophy that guides how we support people on their journey toward lasting housing stability.
The Housing Continuum
People don't move through homelessness in a straight line. They move through a system. People experience different stages of need and support on their journey toward stable and lasting housing.
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A strong housing system functions as a continuum—from living rough to housing stability. It is designed so people can move forward when they are ready. It recognizes that people have different needs at different times, and that the right support at the right moment can make all the difference.
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At Open Arms, we work across the continuum, meeting people where they are and connecting them to the housing and supports they need to move forward.
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Without enough stable, affordable housing, movement through the continuum slows—or stops altogether. Even when someone is ready to move into permanent housing, there may simply be nowhere for them to go. Expanding housing options keeps the continuum moving, helping individuals find lasting stability while creating space for others to access the supports they need.​​
People Experiencing Homelessness​
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Enter into the Housing Continuum when they are ready to accept support.
Outreach
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Outreach teams connect with people experiencing homelessness, build relationships and help them access necessary resources to progress out of homelessness.
Shelter
Short-term, crisis response services that provide a safe place to stay, food, and immediate support.
Transitional or Supportive Housing
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Affordable housing with wraparound supports that help individuals maintain housing and build independence.
Housing Stability
Long-term housing where individuals and families can thrive, find stability, and build their future.
People may move forward, skip steps, pause, or need to return for additional support.
A connected system ensures there is always a path forward.
A CONTINUUM OF CARE
​Ending homelessness takes more than housing—it takes a connected system of partners working together. That includes healthcare, mental health and addiction services, income support, employment programs, education, landlords, businesses, and people with lived experience.
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When every part of the continuum works together, we create stronger communities, where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity and belonging.
Community Collaboration
Ending homelessness is a community effort.
No single organization can solve homelessness alone.
​Housing stability is influenced by many factors: healthcare, mental health, addiction services, income, affordable housing, transportation, employment, and community connection. That's why lasting solutions require organizations, governments, businesses, and community members working together toward a shared goal.
Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. ​We work alongside municipalities, provincial departments, healthcare providers, housing organizations, community agencies, landlords, developers, businesses, and volunteers to ensure people experiencing homelessness receive coordinated, person-centred support.​