We know there is public conversation in our community about safety, homelessness and the location of services in Kentville.

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We also know that behind those conversations are real experiences. Residents and business owners have shared concerns about incidents in the community that have left them feeling frustrated, worried or unsafe. Those concerns deserve to be taken seriously.

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Open Arms wants what we believe our community wants: a Kentville that is safe, welcoming and healthy for the people who live here, work here, operate businesses here, visit here and rely on community services.

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People experiencing homelessness are also members of this community. They deserve dignity, safety and access to the support they need.

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These two things are not mutually exclusive.

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Open Arms accepts responsibility for operating our programs and properties responsibly, responding to concerns connected to our services and participating constructively as a community partner. When concerns are brought to us about something within our control, we want to understand them and address them.

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At the same time, the challenges our community is experiencing are complex. Homelessness intersects with housing availability, healthcare, mental health and addictions services, policing, poverty, public space and other systems. Meaningful and lasting solutions require many organizations and levels of government working together.

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We believe the way forward is through collaboration rather than division.

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That means listening to residents and businesses. It means hearing the experiences of people who use our services. It means working with the Town of Kentville, the Province of Nova Scotia, police, healthcare providers and community organizations. And it means being willing to look honestly at what is working, what is not, and what each of us can do differently.

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We know that listening does not require everyone to agree.

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It does require us to take concerns seriously, remain open to difficult conversations and focus on practical solutions.

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Open Arms remains committed to doing that work.