About Open Arms Housing
Who We Are
Open Arms Housing Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to safe, stable, and supportive housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability in Northwest Indiana.
We were founded in response to the growing housing crisis affecting vulnerable populations in our community. Our mission is to provide more than temporary shelter—we offer a structured pathway toward stability, independence, and restored dignity through transitional housing and supportive services.
Through strong community partnerships and a person-centered approach, Open Arms Housing works to address both the immediate need for housing and the long-term barriers that prevent individuals and families from achieving self-sufficiency. Our programs focus on helping residents build life skills, gain employment, develop financial stability, and successfully transition into permanent housing.
Our Mission
Open Arms Housing Inc. is committed to providing safe transitional housing and supportive services for individuals and families experiencing housing instability. We serve women, women with children, pregnant teens, individuals reentering society after incarceration, youth aging out of the foster care system, college students facing housing insecurity, and others in need.
Our mission is to help people move from homelessness and hardship to long-term stability through structured programs, community partnerships, employment support, financial literacy, and life-skills development that empower residents to rebuild their lives and achieve independent living.
Our Vision
Open Arms Housing envisions a community where every individual and family has access to safe, stable housing and the opportunity to achieve long-term independence. Through compassionate service, strong community partnerships, and structured programs, we strive to reduce homelessness, strengthen families, and empower individuals to rebuild their lives and successfully transition to permanent housing.
Supportive and Wrap-Around Services
In addition to providing transitional housing, Open Arms Housing offers wrap-around supportive services designed to help residents overcome barriers to stability and prepare for long-term independence.
Our supportive services focus on addressing both immediate needs and the long-term factors that contribute to housing instability. Through a structured and person-centered approach, residents receive guidance, resources, and accountability as they work toward financial stability and permanent housing.
Our wrap-around services may include:
• Individualized case management and service planning
• Housing placement assistance and support with securing permanent housing
• Employment and workforce referrals, including job readiness and placement support
• Life skills development, including budgeting, time management, and independent living skills
• Financial literacy support, including assistance opening bank accounts and building personal savings
• Connection to mental health and behavioral health services through community partners
• Substance use treatment referrals, when appropriate
• Education and training referrals, including GED and vocational programs
• Transportation assistance and coordination with community resources
• Family support services for parents and children
• Re-entry support services for individuals returning from incarceration
• Youth transition support for young adults aging out of foster care
Services are delivered through a combination of direct support and coordinated referrals with trusted community partners across Northwest Indiana.
Residents also participate in regular progress check-ins designed to encourage accountability, track progress toward employment and financial stability, and support successful transition into independent living.
Approach
Our approach is centered on dignity, accountability, and individualized support. We believe that stable housing is the foundation for long-term success and personal transformation.
Through structured case management, goal setting, and partnerships with trusted community providers, we help residents address barriers, build life skills, and work toward financial stability and independence.
Our program follows a structured, phased approach that encourages personal responsibility and measurable progress. Residents are supported as they pursue employment, build savings, develop life skills, and prepare for independent living.
By combining compassionate support with accountability and coordinated services, Open Arms Housing helps individuals and families successfully transition from housing instability to permanent stability.
Leadership
Open Arms Housing is led by Antoinette Flournoy, Founder and President, whose vision and leadership guide the organization’s mission to expand access to safe, stable housing for individuals and families experiencing housing instability in Northwest Indiana.
Driven by a deep commitment to community service and housing stability, Antoinette founded Open Arms Housing in response to the growing housing crisis affecting vulnerable populations. Her leadership focuses on building compassionate, structured programs that help individuals move from homelessness to long-term stability and independence.
Under her leadership, Open Arms Housing is committed to strong governance, ethical stewardship, and meaningful partnerships with community organizations, service providers, and local stakeholders.
As the organization grows, Open Arms Housing will continue to strengthen its Board of Directors and leadership structure to ensure accountability, transparency, and long-term sustainability.