Addressing Northern NH’s Invisible Homelessness Crisis

When you imagine New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley, you might picture scenic mountains, bustling tourist towns, and outdoor adventure. What you might not see, and what many don’t see, is the hidden crisis of homelessness affecting hundreds of residents.

In Carroll County, where there is no homeless shelter and few resources, The Way Station opened it’s doors as the first and only organization dedicated to serving the homeless and housing-insecure.

At Granite United Way we’re working to shine a light on this invisible crisis and support organizations like The Way Station that are building solutions that help our neighbors not just survive, but thrive.

 

 

Meeting an Unseen Need

Homelessness in Northern New Hampshire is often hidden. Unlike in large cities, you won’t see tent encampments or people sleeping on sidewalks. Instead, people do their best to blend in—living in cars, camping discreetly, or staying temporarily with friends.

Many are working behind the counter at your local store or serving you at a restaurant. Too often, people experiencing homelessness are seen as “other.” But the reality is, they are our neighbors—people like:

• A veteran who served our country and now struggles to find stable housing.
• A single mom escaping domestic violence, working multiple jobs, and still unable to afford rent.
• An elderly resident facing medical challenges and living in a car.
• Young adults who work hard but can’t find an affordable apartment.

Key challenges of Homelessness

With homelessness, there are many challenges that create a complex web of obstacles that can trap individuals and families in cycles of housing insecurity.

• Lack of affordable housing: Jobs are available, but housing is scarce and expensive.
• Transportation barriers: With little to no public transit, getting to work or services is a daily struggle.
• Limited awareness: Many residents don’t realize the extent of homelessness here.
• Stigma: Misconceptions persist about who experiences homelessness and why.

Essential Services for Survival and Stability

The Way Station’s offers a spectrum of services designed to meet immediate needs and build long-term stability:

• Frontline Survival Services: Food (especially shelf-stable items for those without kitchens), camping gear, toiletries, gas cards, laundry cards, and phones or phone cards for essential communication and wellness checks.
• Drop-In Center: Open twice a week for showers, laundry, and appointments for additional support.
• Mail Services: Providing P.O. boxes so clients can receive mail, apply for jobs, register vehicles, and access banking—critical steps toward regaining independence.
• Wellness Checks: Regular outreach to maintain contact, provide support, and ensure safety.

Building Solutions Together

The Way Station, one of Granite United Way’s funded partners, is committed to addressing homelessness through a strategic, compassionate, and collaborative approach.

With support from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, The Way Station developed a strategic plan called HOPE:

• H – Housing: Seeking innovative solutions to create more affordable and accessible housing.
• O – Operations: Running a day resource center that provides essential services—showers, laundry, meals, and connection to resources.
• P – Poverty Mitigation: Launching the Circles program, which pairs families with volunteers to help set and achieve goals for moving out of poverty.
• E – Economic Stabilization: Offering emergency assistance to help people stay in their homes and weather unexpected crises.

How You Can Help

Homelessness in our community may be hidden, but it’s real, and it’s solvable. Through strategic planning, strong partnerships, and your support, we can ensure that everyone in the Northern Region has the opportunity survive, thrive and belong.

The Way Station’s work is only possible thanks to the support of Granite United Way donors, local churches, volunteers, and local supporters.

Your gift to Granite United Way is more than a donation, it’s an investment in real solutions for our community’s most pressing needs. When you make an undesignated gift, local experts and volunteers can direct resources where they are needed most, supporting agencies like The Way Station and many others across our footprint.