For way too long these proven programs have had to hide in the shadows, due to general ignorance about their successes in maintaining a healthy community, and to the general stigma surrounding drugs which are consumed with needles (rather than just smoking or drinking).
For decades, I have been involved with many other advocates in efforts to end homelessness in NH and worked for many years in agencies involved with housing and low-income people. I grew up in and have worked in Manchester. I have also worked all over the state including Nashua, where I live now. Since homelessness is caused by multiple economic, social, and health-related factors, it is not easy to find effective solutions.
Getting a new job can be a daunting task for anyone, let alone someone who has no fixed address. However, a new weekly event at the 39 Beech Street Engagement Center is aiming to change that.
Each year on the shortest day of the year, the Winter Solstice, members of the community gather at Veterans Park to commemorate local homeless individuals who have died. This year, members of community gathered again on the longest day of the year to celebrate homeless individuals who have survived. Additionally, those at the gathering also shared their thoughts on how to help others find their way out of homelessness.
The shelter for women is one of three shelter initiatives the city has stood up since the beginning of January to meet the need for basic shelter for the homeless.
I didn’t want to write anything today. Then I got a text message and a voicemail from two separate people around Manchester telling me they are living in their cars with no place to go. I am a community organizer with Rights & Democracy, not a social worker, but people are increasingly coming to me for help – help I’m unable to provide.
Walking the streets of the city has brought a bit of peace to me that I didn’t have before. You won’t see me sitting around on Elm Street with a cardboard sign, or panhandling on South Willow Street. You won’t see me shouting at the air, or putting needles in my body. You might see me going off to work, or taking in the sunshine in the park. If you see me at all, a friendly greeting wouldn’t go amiss.