Today, the Manchester Emergency Operations Center (EOC) announced that the City of Manchester will open a 24/7 Winter Emergency Shelter located at 39 Beech Street at 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 2nd. The shelter will remain open until April 30th, 2023.
The announcement follows a phone poll of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approving the terms of the lease of the property. The City has also partnered with the YWCA to stand up a 16-bed women’s shelter at the site of the former Tirrell House, which is scheduled to open on Monday, February 6th.
“I want to thank all of the City employees and partners who worked around the clock to stand up this emergency shelter,” said Mayor Joyce Craig. “With the lack of statewide emergency shelter beds and extremely cold weather coming at the end of the week, this shelter is critical to saving lives.”
“I am proud of the efforts of the city to stand up three shelters in less than a month” stated Fire Chief Ryan Cashin. “The countless hours spent in the EOC and the outcome of those efforts will save lives.”
“The City’s warming station effort is now able to transition into full emergency shelter services for men and women for the coming months,” added Adrienne Beloin, Director of Homelessness Initiatives. “All guests are welcome to cots, on site storage, showers, 3 meals a day, and a provider-enriched day space. We have an enthusiastic staff lined up with lots to offer by way of lived experience and recovery skills. We aim to have this be a safe and flexible space that moves people towards stability with housing, behavioral health, and income.”
The 39 Beech location will replace the temporary warming station with cots at the William B. Cashin Senior Activity Center, which has been operating from 7:00pm - 6:00am since Friday, January 6th.
In addition to 24/7 shelter provided by the City of Manchester, 1269 Cafe and HOPE for New Hampshire Recovery operate a warming station at 456 Union Street with the ability to serve up to 70 individuals and are open nightly from 8:00pm - 7:00am.
Families in Transition operates the largest state-funded adult emergency shelter in New Hampshire, with 138 beds. Last night, Families in Transition had five available beds for men and five available beds for women.
Individuals can access state-wide shelter services or access Substance Use Disorder Support through The Doorway of Greater Manchester by calling 2-1-1 or 866-444-4211.
The City of Manchester Emergency Operations Center was opened on January 6th to serve as a consolidation point for the first responders and departments to facilitate decision making to address unsheltered homelessness. In order to address the unsheltered homelessness crisis in the State of New Hampshire, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen have allocated $871,990 from the City’s remaining ARP, CDBG, and Affordable Housing Trust Fund dedicated to address immediate needs and concerns.
These initiatives are in addition to the City’s continued work to address homelessness and housing insecurity, which include over $11,000,000 of federal funds allocated to supportive and affordable housing over the last two years, daily outreach to encampments by first responders and outreach workers, administering the state’s only Healthcare for the Homeless program, and more.
On Wednesday, January 18th, the Governor and Executive Council approved the City of Manchester’s use of the vacant Tirrell House at 15 Brook Street as a women’s shelter. The City previously announced a partnership with YWCA New Hampshire to staff this new shelter location.
The Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved of a Use of Premises Agreement with the State on January 11, 2023.
The Executive Council vote follows last night’s vote by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen to unanimously approve a location for a 24/7 winter emergency shelter at 39 Beech Street.
The facility is currently being renovated for use as a shelter, to include at least 40 beds, shower and laundry facilities, as well as meals and other wraparound services.
“I am grateful for the Executive Council’s vote allowing Manchester to utilize the vacant Tirrell House in Manchester as an emergency women’s shelter,” said Mayor Joyce Craig. “With our partners at the YWCA New Hampshire, the City will work to open and staff this shelter as soon as possible to provide a safe location for women experiencing homelessness in our city.
“Manchester city leadership and our nonprofit partners are working every day to address the needs of unhoused individuals, and last night the Board of Mayor and Alderman voted to fund a new 24/7 emergency shelter. As this crisis lands at the feet of local communities, we will continue to seek partnerships with our state and county governments for immediate and long term solutions.”
Use of the Tirrell House was requested by eight of New Hampshire’s Mayors in a January 3rd letter to Governor Sununu, Acting Commissioner of Health and Human Services Lori Weaver, and Associate Commissioner Christine Santaniello to address a statewide shortage of emergency shelter beds for women experiencing homelessness.
Additional EOC Updates
The City of Manchester Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was opened on January 6th to serve as a consolidation point for the first responders and departments to facilitate decision making to address unsheltered homelessness. In order to address the unsheltered homelessness crisis in the State of New Hampshire, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen have allocated $871,990 from the City’s remaining ARP, CDBG, and Affordable Housing Trust Fund dedicated to address immediate needs and concerns.
To support this work, the City of Manchester has also partnered with Granite United Way to launch the Manchester Winter Relief Fund, as a way for community members to support this work. That fund can be accessed here:
- Text WINTERMHT to 41444 to make a donation.
- Visit www.graniteuw.org to make an online donation
- Mail checks made payable to: Granite United Way, 22 Concord Street, Floor 4, Manchester, NH 03101 with Manchester Winter Relief Fund in the memo.
These initiatives are in addition to the City’s continued work to address homelessness and housing insecurity, which include over $11,000,000 of federal funds allocated to supportive and affordable housing over the last two years, daily outreach to encampments by first responders and outreach workers, administering the state’s only Healthcare for the Homeless program, and more.
Temporary Warming Station with Cots
Since Friday, January 6th, the City of Manchester has provided a temporary winter warming station with cots at the William B. Cashin Senior Activity Center, open from 7:00 pm until 6:00 am daily. The Cashin Center has been used by between 6 and 20 individuals nightly, serving 51 unique individuals.
A temporary warming station with cots will continue to be available nightly until the 24/7 shelter is available for use.
Additional Services in Manchester
The former Manchester Transportation Center is open today, January 18th, as a resources hub and includes representatives from Harbor Care, Vets Services, Families in Transition, Manchester Mental Health, the Veterans Administration for anyone needing connections to case workers or assistance in accessing additional services.
In addition to the facilities being operated by the City of Manchester, 1269 Cafe and HOPE for New Hampshire Recovery operate a warming station at 456 Union Street with the ability to serve up to 70 individuals. They are open nightly from 8:00pm - 7:00am. Sunday through Friday, they are open throughout the day, beginning at 8:30am and serve lunch from 11:30am - 1:00pm.
Families in Transition operates the largest state-funded adult emergency shelter in New Hampshire, with 138 beds. Last night, Families in Transition had three available beds for men.
Waypoint also offers the State of New Hampshire’s only emergency shelter for youth, with 14 beds for individuals ages 18-24.
Individuals can access state-wide shelter services or access Substance Use Disorder Support through The Doorway of Greater Manchester by calling 2-1-1 or 866-444-4211.
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Today, Hillsborough County Superior Court Judge John Kissinger ruled in favor of the City of Manchester, finding that “considering the grave risks to public health and safety posed by the ongoing presence of the encampment on public sidewalks in downtown Manchester and the availability of safe alternatives for the people living in the encampment, a temporary restraining order is not justified.”
The City is moving forward with its previously-announced plan to close the encampment on the sidewalks on Pine and Manchester Streets, tomorrow, January 18, 2023. Closing the sidewalk will require all individuals present at the encampment to vacate the area while public health and public safety issues are addressed.
Outreach teams began notifying individuals in the area on January 8th, 2023, and City and non-profit and faith-based partners have been conducting daily outreach, connecting individuals to shelter, storage for belongings, and other resources.
“City employees and non-profit partners have been working around the clock to ensure the health and safety of both the individuals experiencing homelessness in Manchester and the community at large, and this morning, the Hillsborough County Superior Court acknowledged our progress and ruled in favor of our ability to continue this work,” said Mayor Joyce Craig. “In addition to securing the area of Pine and Manchester Streets, the City of Manchester is moving forward on establishing a Women’s Shelter in partnership with the YWCA New Hampshire, opening an additional 24/7 winter emergency shelter, expanding access to substance use disorder treatment, and creating more permanent supportive housing options.”
The City of Manchester Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was opened on Friday, January 6th to serve as a consolidation point for the first responders and departments to facilitate decision making to address unsheltered homelessness. Since opening, the City has:
- Partnered with the YWCA New Hampshire to open a new Women’s Shelter at the site of the vacant former Tirrell House.
- Established a temporary warming station with cots at the William B. Cashin Activity Center that has served 43 unique individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Launched the Manchester Winter Relief Fund, a fund through the Granite United Way to ensure services and shelter to unhoused individuals.
- Allocated $871,990 from the City’s remaining ARP, CDBG, and Affordable Housing Trust Fund dedicated to addressing unsheltered homelessness this winter.
These initiatives are in addition to the City’s continued work to address homelessness and housing insecurity, which include over $11,000,000 of federal funds allocated to supportive and affordable housing over the last two years, daily outreach to encampments by first responders and outreach workers, administering the state’s only Healthcare for the Homeless program, and more.
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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 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. Visit www.graniteuw.org 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: 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 ensuring shelter for Manchester’s most vulnerable individuals:
"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.
For additional information on the Manchester Winter Relief Fund, contact Granite United Way at info@graniteuw.org.
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The City of Manchester Emergency Operations Center is releasing more information about operations of the William B. Cashin Senior Activity Center after three nights of providing emergency services for individuals in Manchester experiencing homelessness.
The Cashin Center was opened as a temporary warming station with cots for individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness starting on Friday, January 6th from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am daily. Additional storage of belongings and transportation is provided.
Over the first three nights of operation:
- The Cashin Center provided shelter for 12 individuals on Friday night, 8 on Saturday night, and 7 on Sunday night.
- 20% of individuals had never accessed emergency shelter before.
- 83% of individuals were interested in accessing additional services.
- The first individual to access the shelter was a youth, who was able to be connected directly with a caseworker from Greater Manchester Mental Health.
- Another individual, who came directly from the encampment, worked with the City of Manchester Community Response Unit, and accessed treatment and detox for Substance Use Disorder.
A key component of the EOC strategy is to connect individuals directly to wrap-around services, such as Substance Use Disorder treatment, mental health, and other services.
The Emergency Operations Center Team thanks all of the partners who made this possible, including Comcast for providing free wifi, T-Mobile for providing power cords and phone chargers, and for the members of the Cashin Center for understanding this is a very short-term solution to saving lives this winter.
The Emergency Operations Center is in contact with 211 to coordinate with all shelter space across the state. When possible, non-Manchester residents are being referred to available shelter beds from their originating communities through 211. Anyone seeking shelter should contact 211.
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