87%$131,239Goal: $150,000

Annapolis Valley

Open Arms

383 Walkers|69 Teams|7 Volunteers

The Coldest Night of the Year is a winterrific family-friendly fundraising walk in support of local charities. Let’s change the tune for people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness... because it’s cold out there. Join us on February 22, 2025 - team up, fundraise, and walk with us!

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Web: openarms.ca

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About Open Arms

Open Arms is a dynamic and growing nonprofit organization whose work is rooted in Christian values. Our mission is to create lasting, positive change by addressing the root causes of homelessness and fostering a supportive environment for those in need. Open Arms is committed to treating every individual with dignity and respect, recognizing the inherent worth and unique journey of each person.

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This mission is expressed through five streams:

1. Provision of Shelter Services

The Oasis Emergency Shelter is a low barrier 30-day emergency 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. Guests who actively engage in case planning have their shelter stay extended beyond 30 days.

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. Outreach into Communities

This program aims to build relationships with unsheltered individuals, provide advocacy, and assist with connecting these individuals with services and shelter or housing. Open Arms aims to provide both place-based and street outreach in Kentville and mobile outreach to serve individuals experiencing homelessness throughout the Annapolis Valley.

As part of ensuring the wellbeing and safety of people experiencing homelessness, outreach workers distribute simple meals and snacks, gift cards, and blankets/warmers, as needed. 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 provide support and transportation to medical appointments and temporary shelters during extreme weather events.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.