Proposed ‘Family Place’ shelter needs $250K boost, plans June 17 groundbreaking
A groundbreaking event is planned for June 17 at 11 a.m. at the Families in Transition building site, 177 Lake Avenue.
MANCHESTER, NH – Last year Families in Transition – the city’s only family shelter – received more than 7,000 requests for housing assistance. Due to its current lack of space and resources, they were only able to provide housing and services for 7 percent of those requests.
That’s why it’s time to move forward with a comprehensive $2.3 million expansion plan, say organizers, as they close in on the final $250,000 needed to reach their fund-raising goal by Sept. 1.
A groundbreaking event is planned for June 17 at 11 a.m. at the building site, 177 Lake Avenue. “Breaking Down Barriers,” will include highlights of the plan, more on FIT’s mission and a success story from one of the many people who are navigating out of a cycle of poverty through FIT’s program and services. Light refreshments will be served, and you can learn more about the project, and how to get involved.
Families in Transition’s new Family Place Resource Center and Shelter will provide a transitional home for 80 parents with 120 children annually on Lake Avenue. This proposed building will house a new and expanded emergency family shelter as well as comprehensive resource center designed to meet the needs of homeless families and children in Manchester. The dual purpose nature of the project will ensure that families with complex and varied needs are able to quickly and easily access the services that they need to regain housing stability and long-term wellness.
Last year the shelter housed 45 families, including 78 children. The majority of the people who exit the shelter move directly into permanent or transitional housing.
However, more than just shelter, Families in Transition provides comprehensive social services that help fight the root causes of homelessness with the assistance of a licensed clinical staff and supportive service specialists. Families in Transition helps participants overcome poverty, domestic violence, substance use, mental and/or physical illness, underemployment, addiction, isolation and loneliness
Features of the news site:
- Critical healthcare for children and families on-site
- Services to assist continuity in education for homeless children
- On-site employment search assistance
- Specialized therapeutic preschool for homeless children
- Guaranteed nutritious meals
- A warm place for homeless families with their children to wait when they have no place to go. No more waiting in the police station waiting room or living in their car.
How to help
As of April 2015, FIT had raised $2,147,232 of the projected total cost of $2,397,232, or about 90 percent.
Individuals can donate by clicking here.
Click here to view a list of supporters.
Want to donate, but would like more information?
Contact FIT at 603.641.1143 ext. 324 or email donate@fitnh.org.
About Families in Transition: Families in Transition (FIT), a nonprofit organization located in Manchester, Concord and Dover, New Hampshire, was founded in 1991 in response to the growing number of homeless individuals and families in the greater Manchester area and throughout the state. Since its inception, FIT has been committed to providing only the most innovative, comprehensive, and effective interventions specifically designed to help homeless individuals and families reach beyond the cycle of homelessness to lead healthy and successful lives. Our belief is that having a home is a basic human right and is fundamental to becoming an engaged and contributing member of our community.
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