Our Programs

Each program at Open Doors is designed to provide supportive services that bridge the gap between homelessness and housing.

CASE MANAGEMENT

Individualized case management is the core of Open Doors’ services. The case management team at Open Doors provides support that is tailored to each client. The focus is to help them achieve or maintain stable housing of their own, while also working to connect them with resources to help conquer obstacles to achieving these goals.

EMERGENCY SHELTER

As a Housing First organization, Open Doors has emergency shelter space for adults and families with children. Each guest at Open Doors is matched with a case manager who works with them to create and execute an individualized plan to help them move from shelter to a stable home of their own as quickly as possible.

AFFORDABLE HOMES

Open Doors currently has 55 affordable and supportive apartments and is committed to doing our part to close the affordable housing gap in Fairfield County. Residents of these units pay an affordable rate as determined by their income or are matched with housing support.

FOOD

The kitchen at Open Doors is the only program in Norwalk providing free hot meals every day to anyone in need. Open Doors also has a grocery pantry that is open five days a week and a holiday meal basket program in the fall, winter, and spring that provide food for low-income households in our neighborhood.

STREET OUTREACH

As a PATH (Projects for Assistant in Transition from Homelessness) provider, Open Doors has a team dedicated to outreach and engagement into services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and have serious mental health needs or who have mental health needs with a co-occurring substance use disorder.

FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITY CENTER

Open Doors partners with industry experts to provide financial coaching, employment services, and income support services 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 stable income.

CHILDREN’S RESOURCES

In order to give children dealing with homelessness the same opportunities as their peers, Open Doors provides after-school enrichment at our own family resource center, Corky and Jill’s Discovery Center.  Open Doors also connects families with summer youth activities.

COMMUNITY CLOSET

Open Doors’ Community Closet is a ‘free store’ where households in need can shop for seasonal clothing, shoes, and household necessities. Everything in the community closet is donated by our neighbors in order to provide quality wardrobes and goods for people dealing with poverty and homelessness.