South Shore Open Doors Association

09/29/2026

We hope you are all find some time on Sept 30th to reflect on our shared Treaty responsibilities and how we can all support the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Report of 2015. Our offices will be closed. The Landing is open for emergency shelter.

Art by Loretta Gould

09/11/2026

What you think homelessness looks like vs. what it actually looks like.

Every month we track the data about folks who access services from us. The numbers might surprise you.

94 of the people currently experiencing homelessness in Lunenburg and Queens Counties are children.

The top reasons for people loosing their housing are due to relationship or family breakdown or leaving a household due to domestic violence.

8 new households reached out to SSODA in July who are at risk of homelessness.

The only way to reduce homelessness is by making safe and affordable housing options accessible to everyone.

Here are the steps we take to help make that happen in Lunenburg & Queen’s Counties ↓

We keep a list of people who need housing and build relationships with landlords who have housing available. We have matched 166 households to housing.

We help people who either have been, or are at risk of, getting cut off by Nova Scotia Power. In July we identified $24,537 in power arrears and paid $1,177 to help several families and individuals get connected to power for their homes.

We track the number of folks experiencing homelessness so that municipalities and the provincial government can make informed decisions about funding supports for housing in our community.

09/09/2026

📣 **WE’RE HIRING!**

The Landing, operated by SSODA, is hiring **Daytime and Overnight Shelter Support Workers** to join our team in Bridgewater.

**Available shifts:**

☀️ Day shifts: **8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.**
🌙 Night shifts: **8:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m.**
⏰ Casual shifts: **on calls, open shifts, holidays, etc.**
📅 Typically scheduled **four days on, four days off**

We’re looking for dependable, compassionate and non-judgmental people who can work effectively in a busy shelter environment. The right candidates will be comfortable supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, mental-health challenges and substance use through a low-barrier, trauma-informed and harm-reduction approach.

Relevant education, training or lived experience is an asset, but reliability, strong boundaries, teamwork and a genuine desire to support others are equally important.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a résumé and indicate whether they are interested in **day shifts, night shifts or either schedule**.

Please find us on Indeed. Share and help us find the right people to join The Landing team!

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

Candle lit vigil for IOAD 2026. Starting at 835.

08/31/2026

08/31/2026

Come join SSODA and the Opioid Recovery Program Team partnered with the Take Home Naloxone Program. Tons of awareness surrounding International Overdose Awareness Day and some of the programs available in our community. We are at 215 Dominion St until approximately 2pm. Naloxone and Narcan training on site, NORS swag, stickers, FREE hotdogs, and more!

08/28/2026

We started as a coordinated access system and now we run a shelter, supportive housing, and community outreach program.

Until now, clients and guests have had to come to us. This month that changed. We now have two teams of outreach workers who are doing on-street outreach seven days a week in communities across Lunenburg and Queens Counties.

This means that community members who could benefit from housing support and being connected to other resources can reach us more easily. Our team will be going out into the community to provide things like food, water, sunscreen, warm socks, and connections to resources.

We can also connect with local businesses and municipalities to provide education and information about housing and homelessness.

Our outreach team relies on the community to let us know when someone is in need. If you know an individual or family who are sleeping rough (tenting outdoors) or living in an unstable or unsafe housing situation, contact us at (902) 521-2539 or [email protected]

08/25/2026

Join Us for International Overdose Awareness Day

SSODA and The Landing, in partnership with the Nova Scotia Take Home Naloxone Program, invite everyone to join us on Monday, August 31, as we recognize International Overdose Awareness Day.

We have a few events taking place ON August 31st:

🌭 Community BBQ
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
📍 Giant Tiger Plaza parking lot, Dominion Street, Bridgewater

Stop by for some food, conversation and an opportunity to learn more about overdose prevention, harm reduction and take-home naloxone. Everyone is welcome, no registration is required!

🕯️ Candlelight Vigil
⏰ 8:30 p.m.
📍 Shipyards Landing, Bridgewater

In the evening, we will gather for a candlelight vigil to remember those whose lives have been lost to overdose, acknowledge the grief carried by their loved ones and stand in support of everyone affected by substance use.

Candles will be provided, but we encourage you to bring your own if you are able. You are also welcome to bring a photograph or small item in memory of someone special. If you would like us to have a photo of your loved one on site, in a frame (for the vigil), you can bring one yourself or send one to [email protected] for printing.

Anyone can attend either or both events. Simply show up and join us.

Together, we will remember without stigma, support without judgment and hold hope for a future where fewer lives are lost. Please share and help us spread the word. 💜

08/25/2026

Everything you’ve been wondering about our new shelter, The Landing, explained ↓

The landing is a 24-hour low-barrier emergency shelter in Bridgewater, operated by SSODA. It opened in June, 2026.

What does low barrier mean?

A low-barrier shelter reduces obstacles that prevent people from accessing support. Guests at the shelter might be experiencing poverty, physical or mental health concerns, trauma, and substance dependency. They will not be turned away because of these factors. Low-barrier does not mean there are less rules, lower standards, or that substance use is allowed.

What does trauma informed care mean?

Many people experiencing homelessness have lived through significant trauma. Trauma-informed care means recognizing the impact trauma can have on a person’s health, behaviour, and relationships. Our staff are trained to respond with empathy, respect, and understanding while maintaining appropriate boundaries, safety, and accountability.

What is harm reduction?

Harm reduction is an evidence-based approach that focuses on reducing immediate health and safety risks while helping people access support and services. Harm reduction does not mean that substance use is permitted at the shelter, nor does SSODA provide a safe supply of substances.

Why might I see police at the shelter?

Police may attend the shelter for many reasons. The presence of police vehicles does not automatically indicate criminal activity or a serious incident. Some reasons include: wellness checks, community meetings, and routine collaboration with staff.

How does The Landing work with neighbours and businesses?

We believe strong communities are built through relationships. We encourage direct communication whenever possible and are happy to meet with you.

Questions, feedback, or concerns can be sent to: [email protected]