Lecture / Seminar Family-Friendly Wheelchair Accessible
[email protected]
(902) 679 8604
“From Survival to Stability: Navigating the Surge of Rural Homelessness in the Annapolis Valley” presented by Leanne Jennings, Executive Director, Open Arms Resource Centre
Abstract: The Annapolis Valley is witnessing a profound transformation in the profile and visibility of homelessness. Once a "hidden" crisis defined by precarious couch-surfing and seasonal instability, the reality in 2026 is now characterized by visible encampments and an unprecedented demand for emergency services. As the Executive Director of Open Arms, Leanne Jennings offers a frontline perspective on how the regional housing deficit, combined with the rising cost of living, has created a "perfect storm" for the Valley’s most vulnerable residents.
This presentation provides a comprehensive situation report on the state of homelessness across Kings and Annapolis Counties. Drawing on data from the Annapolis Valley Coordinated Access System, Jennings will highlight some staggering trends.
Key discussion points include:
The New Face of Homelessness: Analyzing the shift in demographics, including a 20% rise in unhoused seniors.
Low-Barrier Interventions: The impact of the OASIS Shelter and the new Pallet shelter in Kentville as critical "bridge" infrastructure.
Trauma-Informed Outreach: How the Open Arms Mobile Outreach Team navigates the rural realities, including addressing the lack of transportation and centralized healthcare that isolates those outside major population centres.
Intentional Housing Supports: How Open Arms has been piloting a unique in-community model for housing supports alongside a new place-based supportive housing program.
The Path to Permanence: Moving beyond emergency responses toward long-term, dignified housing and addiction recovery supports.
Jennings will conclude by calling for a unified regional strategy that moves beyond managing homelessness and toward the systemic creation of affordable, supportive housing designed for the unique social fabric of the Annapolis Valley.
Biography: Leanne Jennings is passionate about community development and co-creating communities where no one is left behind. With a background in placemaking, community engagement, municipal land use planning, outdoor recreation, and conservation planning, Jennings brings a holistic perspective to her role as Executive Director at Open Arms.
She joined Open Arms in February 2024 and has been steadfast in her commitment to fulfilling the organization’s mission while positioning the organization for its next phase of growth and impact.
The homeless crisis Leanne Jennings, Executive Director, Open Arms
Every week, we invite ALL members and members of our local community to join us for a free, casual ALLways Learning Series (formerly Lunchtime Learning Series). We cover topics both big and small in scope, from local to international, and from arts to sciences. We aim to offer lively talks, from engaging speakers, that anyone in the audience can enjoy. No registration is required.
[email protected]
(902) 679 8604
“From Survival to Stability: Navigating the Surge of Rural Homelessness in the Annapolis Valley” presented by Leanne Jennings, Executive Director, Open Arms Resource Centre
Abstract: The Annapolis Valley is witnessing a profound transformation in the profile and visibility of homelessness. Once a "hidden" crisis defined by precarious couch-surfing and seasonal instability, the reality in 2026 is now characterized by visible encampments and an unprecedented demand for emergency services. As the Executive Director of Open Arms, Leanne Jennings offers a frontline perspective on how the regional housing deficit, combined with the rising cost of living, has created a "perfect storm" for the Valley’s most vulnerable residents.
This presentation provides a comprehensive situation report on the state of homelessness across Kings and Annapolis Counties. Drawing on data from the Annapolis Valley Coordinated Access System, Jennings will highlight some staggering trends.
Key discussion points include:
The New Face of Homelessness: Analyzing the shift in demographics, including a 20% rise in unhoused seniors.
Low-Barrier Interventions: The impact of the OASIS Shelter and the new Pallet shelter in Kentville as critical "bridge" infrastructure.
Trauma-Informed Outreach: How the Open Arms Mobile Outreach Team navigates the rural realities, including addressing the lack of transportation and centralized healthcare that isolates those outside major population centres.
Intentional Housing Supports: How Open Arms has been piloting a unique in-community model for housing supports alongside a new place-based supportive housing program.
The Path to Permanence: Moving beyond emergency responses toward long-term, dignified housing and addiction recovery supports.
Jennings will conclude by calling for a unified regional strategy that moves beyond managing homelessness and toward the systemic creation of affordable, supportive housing designed for the unique social fabric of the Annapolis Valley.
Biography: Leanne Jennings is passionate about community development and co-creating communities where no one is left behind. With a background in placemaking, community engagement, municipal land use planning, outdoor recreation, and conservation planning, Jennings brings a holistic perspective to her role as Executive Director at Open Arms.
She joined Open Arms in February 2024 and has been steadfast in her commitment to fulfilling the organization’s mission while positioning the organization for its next phase of growth and impact.
The homeless crisis Leanne Jennings, Executive Director, Open Arms
Every week, we invite ALL members and members of our local community to join us for a free, casual ALLways Learning Series (formerly Lunchtime Learning Series). We cover topics both big and small in scope, from local to international, and from arts to sciences. We aim to offer lively talks, from engaging speakers, that anyone in the audience can enjoy. No registration is required.
Pricing & Tickets
Pricing: Free
32 University Avenue
Wolfville, Nova Scotia
[email protected]
902-585-5242
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| Other Events at K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre |
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| Fri Apr 17, 2pm ALLways Learning |
| Fri Apr 24, 2pm ALLways Learning - Sabbatical Showcase |
| Fri May 1, 2pm ALLways Learning |
| Sun May 3, 2pm Garden Room Concert |