Friends Emergency Housing Program

Friends Emergency Housing Program

30 Thompson St, Concord NH

http://www.friendsprogram.org/

This is a family homeless shelter which serves parents with children (including grandparents with custody of children, and women who are 7 ½ months pregnant otherwise without children.)

They are not affiliated with Friends, and are sponsored by the United Way, City of Concord, and individual donors. Their clients are mostly upper blue collar people who have been hit with job loss, illness, and/or divorce that has destroyed their previous stability and home. This is a 24/7 open shelter with many programs to encourage clients to move forward with their lives. Some of the regular programs offered are courses on parenting (working with “Building Blocks” and dinner is even included!), nutrition (more good food for less money with recipes and guidance a part of this program), and career development (writing effective resumes and job leads). Attendees of these courses are very positive about them.

The people who stay here do not pay any rent, but do buy their own food, though there is an emergency pantry. They are also required to pass criminal record checks.

This is an extremely clean, disabled access available, and welcoming “home,” especially when a home or home-base is needed after things have fallen apart. It serves 8 families, and up to 35 people at a time. Children up to 18 years old are accepted if they are still living with their parents.

Their clients are referred by Concord Welfare Office, or simply the phone book or 2-11. Walk-ins are accepted if there is space, and they, too, must pass the criminal check.

They need seasonal clothing for adults, and children, ages 0 to 18 years. The norm of sizes needed are:

Women 12 through 2x

Men 34-36

Children ages 0 to 18 years

They also are looking for donations of clothing seasonally suitable to wear going to job interviews. They also have a “Move Out” boxes program which gives a box of pots, pans, dishes, glasses and cutlery to people who leave the shelter for transitional housing or their own apartments.

They have working cooperation agreements with Friends for Forgotten Children and the McKenna House, sharing resources. They also share resources with PATH outreach, Riverbend (Concord), and Rise Again Ministries, Loudon.

Their storage space is somewhat limited. They ask that they be given one week’s notice prior to a major donation drop off of seasonal clothing.