We wish to express our thanks to the many people who have helped Open Arms continue to operate throughout 2006. The emergency shelter was busier than we could have expected but this affirmed its relevance to our community. We continue to be the only homeless shelter in this region of the province, regularly receiving calls from Police, Community Services, Churches, etc.

from Windsor to Digby. Volunteers are ready for guests at ten o'clock every evening and were required to keep the shelter open 200 nights for 329 overnight stays in 2006. There were 133 individuals (99 males, 34 females) of which about 60% were youth (under thirty years of age). Yes, we still need volunteers for day and night activities!

Open Arms chaplains kept busy developing relationships with many who sought our service. We recieved hundreds of calls for needs other than emergency shelter. Delivering food vouchers/ groceries and visitations increased, along with assisting people to find housing and employment. We have felt strongly that we need to be in a place where we can extend our services to include a drop-in and eventually room for guests to remain through longer times of transition. We are currently looking for a location where both a shelter and the outreach can operate. Considerable time will be spent this winter seeking the right location and to raise both awareness and funding. This will only be possible with growing community support.

We are hoping to see a number of local churches get on board with regular financial support. Monthly giving would be best in conjunction with annual fundraisers where we could share with churches/ church groups about the ministry. This is an effective, relvant mission sharing Christ right here in the Annapolis Valley (please see our website for a description of the ministry www.nsnet.org/openarms).

One consistent need we see is for community. This is why we in the local church need to open our arms to the broken. Our clients need more than church on Sunday; they need love, respect and support - they need family.

Please join us in prayer and activity as we endeavor to extend Christ's love to our most broken neighbors. Feel free to contact us to share with your group/ church about Open Arms and poverty/ homelessness. Pray also for us as we make strides to model community ourselves.

Thanks again for the prayers and support from so many of you, John Andrew