Program areas at The Open Door Shelter
Homeless services: since opening its doors in 1984, Open doors has worked with those experiencing homelessness by providing Shelter to men, women, and families, along with case management and hot served meals. In more recent years, Open doors added street outreach and employment services to ensure that every person experiencing homelessness in norwalk has access to housing and income. Highlights:- 149 individuals were sheltered and of those, 81 were housed in permanent housing,- 99% of those exiting Shelter over The past two years, remained housed,- 54,306 hot meals were served,- 74 individuals were served by The street homeless outreach program, 91% no longer homeless.
Prevention: Open doors recognizes The best way to end homelessness is to stop it before it happens. Open doors provides a food pantry, and a clothing center to eliminate small financial barriers, access to affordable health care, and The newly opened financial opportunity center to assist area residents gain financial stability and success. Highlights:- 1,370 individuals received 4,243 bags of groceries through The food pantry,- 282 individuals were served through The financial opportunity center, 95 obtained employment, 129 increased income, 24 increased savings,- 1,643 individuals received 60,390 items of clothing through The community closet
Housing stability: to rapidly move people from homelessness to housing stability, Open doors created affordable and deeply affordable housing for those transitioning out of homelessness and provides short-term and long-term case management services.highlights:- 52 individuals received housing case management services, 24 short-term and 28 long-term- 63 individuals were permanently housed in Open doors affordable housing units.
Job training: Open doors partners with industry experts to provide employment services, one-on-one job placement, and continuing education for area residents and Shelter guests. Programs are Open to any norwalk area resident who is looking for resources to help achieve and maintain a sustainable income.