“To me, advocacy is about sharing my story so others don’t have a story to share.”-Miles
These words, from a NH Coalition to End Homelessness(NHCEH) Granite Leader graduate, do much to inspire and affirm the mission that drives our work each day; to find lasting solutions to homelessness through research, education and advocacy.
Miles served our country as a member of the National Guard and years later, faced unexpected life events that led to the loss of his home and all he knew of his once secure and stable life. After living in a tent in the woods for two years, he was able to access the resources he needed to obtain housing. Today, he combines his lived experience with homelessness, and the leadership and advocacy skills he gained through NHCEH’s Granite Leader program, to advocate for positive change as a member of the NH Council for Housing Stability.
NHCEH is here to be a voice for our NH neighbors experiencing homelessness. All too often, the people behind the issue are widely misunderstood, their circumstances reduced to misinformed assumptions rather than a comprehensive understanding of the complex, layered events and economic circumstances that led to their harsh reality. With focused research, a commitment to education and targeted advocacy, we can redefine people’s understanding of homelessness, replace stigma with compassion, and bring our NH neighbors home. Some highlights of our work this year include:
Regional Roundtables/Listening Sessions: NHCEH is traveling the state to listen to the successes, challenges and needs around housing and homelessness within each region. We will compile, share, and use this information to further strengthen the network of service providers and inform our advocacy goals.
The 2024 State of Homelessness in New Hampshire annual report: This detailed analysis is the primary, go-to source for service providers, state and local officials and policy makers as a source of reliable information when advocating for funding needs and legislative change.
NHCEH is host to a unique and critical training resource: The new website, EndHomelessnessNH.org, is a comprehensive online resource of best-practices and trainings on homelessness and housing stabilization.
We all have a role to play in the creation of a better, stronger, more equitable NH. Our work is critical in the statewide effort to end homelessness, and your donation is critical to our work. Please join our efforts to end homelessness with a donation through our website at www.nhceh.org or by mailing a check to 66 Hanover St., #200, Manchester, NH 03101. NHCEH is a 501(c)(3), tax ID#02-0526212.
With Gratitude,
Jennifer Chisholm, LICSW, MLADC, Executive Director
Gretchen Bean, Board President
