Open Arms Housing provides a safe and permanent home to the most vulnerable neighbors in our community. There is no other program like Open Arms Housing in Washington, DC. The sixteen women served by the organization have experienced devastating life events that lead them to have an average length of homelessness of 7+ years. The dedicated staff builds trust with each of the residents, many of whom have not had positive people to trust in their lives. The organization is young and energetic as it finished its first year of operation in September, 2009. The Board and Staff continue to transition from a start up organization to an operational organization. One of our greatest achievements has been in improving our financial reporting and developing the Board leadership.
440 Pageviews Read Stories
Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Centers to Support the Independence of Specific Populations, Homeless & Housing, Housing Support, Human Services
Mission: Open arms housings (oah) mission is to provide permanent homes with a welcoming and supportive environment to women who are homeless and may have mental health issues. Oahs goal is to create safe, comfortable housing and promote housing stability using a housing first approach.
Programs: Scattered sites: in 2017, through a contract with the dc department of human services, oah began providing housing at scattered sites in apartment buildings located throughout washington, dc for up to 51 women. Oah staff deliver mobile case management and supportive services to these women.
open arms first facility, the dunbar, located in the truxton circle neighborhood, began housing residents in the fall of 2009. Its 16 units provide each woman with her own efficiency apartment that has a full kitchen and bathroom. The building has three wheelchair accessible units. There are shared phones, televisions, computers and spaces for meeting and get-togethers.
open arms second building, owen place, in the trinidad neighborhood, opened in 2015 with one-bedroom apartments for four additional women. At both the dunbar and owen place, oah staff provide on-site supportive services to meet individuals needs, help them achieve their goals and prevent a return to homelessness.