NH Delegation Welcomes Nearly $1M to Combat Homelessness in Concord, Merrimack & Belknap Communities
(Washington, DC) — U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) today welcomed $944,406 to New Hampshire to combat housing insecurity. Specifically, the funding supports projects that reduce unsheltered homelessness, especially in high-risk areas and rural communities. Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc. Rural SSO Street Outreach will receive $585,366, and the Concord Coalition to End Homeless (CCEH) Resource Center will receive $359,040.
The funding was announced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Office of Community Planning and Development’s Homeless Assistance Grants program. The funding was reallocated to New Hampshire as unused money from a prior year under the program.
“The growing homelessness crisis is devastating communities across New Hampshire, and more resources are needed to keep Granite Staters housed through the harsh winter. I’m pleased to welcome nearly $1 million to help combat homelessness across Concord, Merrimack and Belknap communities. Organizations like CAP and CCEH are on the frontlines helping individuals experiencing homelessness find safe housing, and I’m pleased this support is heading their way so they can continue their vital work,” said Senator Shaheen. “As we work to connect families with supportive housing, we must commit to investing in a long-term solution to homelessness.”
“Granite State communities need additional support as they work to address high rates of homelessness – and this is especially important in the cold winter months,” said Senator Hassan. “I am glad to see this federal funding head to local communities as they work to help vulnerable families and individuals stay off of the streets through access to safe and stable housing.”
“Addressing the housing and homelessness crisis in New Hampshire remains a top priority in the 118th Congress,” said Rep. Kuster. “These federal resources will help to support those in need in Concord, Merrimack, Belknap, and beyond. As we continue to push for long-term solutions to address homelessness and provide safe, affordable housing options for all, I am focused on ensuring no Granite Stater is left in the cold this winter.”
“Granite Staters experiencing homelessness are in critical need of safe and secure housing, especially as the days get colder,” said Rep. Pappas. “This federal funding will help meet the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in rural communities, and I’ll continue working to deliver resources that will address the housing and homelessness crisis in New Hampshire.”
Senator Shaheen is a leader in the Senate working to combat homelessness and help vulnerable Granite Staters. Last week, she helped introduce the Fighting Homelessness Through Services and Housing Act, a bill to authorize $1 billion annually to help local governments combat homelessness. She also led the delegation in announcing over $3.5 million she helped secure for New Hampshire through the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program. These funds were authorized by congressional Democrats’ American Rescue Plan Act and signed into law by President Biden, assisting New Hampshire renters with rent and other housing expenses, including energy and utility costs. Shaheen also led legislation to ensure that thousands of low-income tenants in rural areas are able to maintain access to safe and affordable housing. Shaheen has fought to protect New Hampshire homeowners and renters left vulnerable by the COVID-19 public health emergency. The American Rescue Plan, passed in March 2021, included nearly $50 billion for housing, including support for vulnerable renters and homeowners. This is in addition to the $25 billion in emergency rental assistance included in the December 2020 emergency COVID-19 relief legislation, which Shaheen helped lead as part of the “908 Coalition.”
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