Manchester Winter Relief Fund Launches to Address Emergent Needs
As cold snaps move across the community, a local collaborative effort has launched the Manchester Winter Relief Fund. This special fund will be directed to ensure services and shelter to unhoused individuals in Manchester, New Hampshire.
“Given that shelter beds across the state are near or at capacity, we are tremendously grateful for the collaboration between the City, our non-profit and faith-based partners, as well as the community, to implement additional emergency shelters in Manchester this winter,” said Mayor Joyce Craig. “This fund will directly support ongoing short and long-term efforts to meet critical needs in our community."
The Manchester Winter Relief Fund is administered by Granite United Way, with 100% of the proceeds going to programs and services supporting this effort.
“Helping individuals in our community is core to our mission, and we are proud to be among the partners stepping up to address this need,” said Patrick Tufts, President and CEO of Granite United Way.
It’s easy to donate to the effort:
1. Text WINTERMHT to 41444 to make a donation
2. Click here to make an online donation
3. Mail checks made payable to: Granite United Way, 22 Concord Street, Floor 4, Manchester, NH 03101 with Manchester Winter Relief Fund in the memo.
Partners in the effort include the City of Manchester, Manchester Fire Department, Manchester Police Department, Manchester Health Department, Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester, 211 NH, Granite United Way, NH Food Bank, American Medical Response, Aramark, and the Manchester Transit Authority.
The YWCA of New Hampshire is among the partners working to ensure shelter for Manchester’s most vulnerable individuals. You can purchase donation items from their Amazon wish list here. They are also accepting the following items:
- Paper Towels
- Toilet Paper
- Laundry Detergent
- Cleaning supplies
- New twin size bedding (blankets, sheets, comforters, pillows, pillow cases)
- New basic clothing in variety of sizes (adult women), including socks, underwear, sports bras, sneakers, shower shoes, sweatpants/leggings, t-shirts, sweaters, etc.
- New towels (bath, hand, face)
- Cash donations
"For over 30 years, YWCA NH has operated housing programs in our community for women, providing pathways for them to take that next step in their lives in overcoming crisis and improving their lives. We are honored to be able to expand that work with the Women's Shelter at Brook Street, and serve the community we have loved and served for over 100 years. We are asking the community to make an investment in this innovative new project and join us with our amazing partners, Granite United Way, and the City of Manchester in ensuring that we can create a safe and healthy space for all women in our community regardless of their circumstance, help us support the next chapter of their story of recovery and healing from the trauma they are experiencing." Jessica Cantin, CEO, YWCA NH.
In addition to the relief fund, Granite United Way and 211 NH were asked to help the City of Manchester and the Manchester Fire Department by providing information and referral support to the approximately 60 unsheltered individuals who were about to be relocated from a downtown encampment.
"Our team at 211 NH was able to provide important data including an updated number of available shelter beds around the State, as well as the number of homeless calls to 211 each day within the City of Manchester," said 211 Director, Melina Burton.
Over the course of a week, staff from Granite United Way, 211 NH, and outreach workers from local Manchester agencies including the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester walked the encampment and met with individuals to share information about available services.
"What was common to see was the empathy and compassion quietly shown by firefighters, police personnel, and outreach workers to the people living in the encampment," said Bill Sherry Granite United Way's Chief Operating Officer. "As the week went on, the people we met began to recognize us and would say good morning. They appreciated the time we took to listen, explain the situation, and discuss what help may be available."