The work of Open Arms is expressed through five streams:
1. Provision of Shelter Services
A) The Oasis Emergency Shelter is a low barrier housing-focused shelter designed to provide respite to those experiencing homelessness. With a 20-bed capacity, each guest entering the shelter is offered a bed, access to meals, laundry services, and connection to financial, employment, and health supports. All shelter guests will be offered the opportunity to work with staff to develop a case plan to address barriers that may be preventing the individual from finding or accessing appropriate housing. These services are client-focused and tailored to meet the needs of the individual.
B) Tiny Meadows Shelter is a second stage shelter service for individuals who have demonstrated housing readiness and independent living skills. The shelter site consists of 20 individualized sleeping units, hygiene units containing laundry, shower, and washroom facilities, and a communal building for dining and programming. All guests at Tiny Meadows are connected to a housing program and participate in skills training and case planning.
2. Housing Program
Open Arms’ housing program uses a client-centered approach to develop long-term, stable, and sustainable housing opportunities. As housing opportunities have become scarce, we recognize the importance of supporting individuals on their journey to housing readiness. This would include supporting financial/employment goals, physical health goals, mental health goals, community involvement/volunteering to help clients maintain housing.
In addition to our housing program for mid to low-acuity individuals, Open Arms recently launched an Intensive Case Management housing program. The objective of this program is to help transition individuals with a high depth of need who are experiencing chronic homelessness into stable, long-term housing.
3. Provision of Affordable Housing
Open Arms is currently pursuing projects that will have us acquire existing and purpose built affordable housing units as a means of preserving and offering affordable housing in the Annapolis Valley. In some cases, residents living in these units will be provided with housing and life skills supports by Open Arms staff. Together with our shelters, this initiative allows us to address the needs of individuals along multiple points of the housing spectrum.
4. Open Arms Thrift Store (OATS)
Our thrift store not only provides free or discounted clothing and household items to those in need, but this program also provides opportunities for individuals to gain valuable employment skills.
5. Outreach into Communities
Open Arms is currently developing a robust outreach program which aims to build relationships with unsheltered individuals, provide advocacy, and assist with connecting these individuals to services and shelter or housing. This program will continue to provide place-based outreach in the form of food service, showers and laundry in Kentville and will expand to include a consistent mobile street outreach to serve individuals experiencing homelessness throughout the Annapolis Valley.
As part of supporting the wellbeing and safety of people experiencing homelessness, as resources allow, outreach workers will conduct check-ins and when appropriate distribute simple meals and snacks, gift cards, and blankets/warmers. Activities include visiting with individuals experiencing homelessness, building relationships and trust to facilitate and optimize a safe environment to discuss obstacles preventing participation in programs and identifying means of overcoming those obstacles. In addition, outreach workers will provide support and transportation to medical appointments and temporary shelters during extreme weather events.
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