During the summer, the Manchester Health Department routinely samples water from public beaches and multiple points along the Merrimack and Piscataquog rivers. These results are then posted weekly on the Health Department's Water Quality page. Testing will continue until Labor Day.

Manchester, NH: City - Advisory

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Thank you for subscribing to the Manchester City Library's newsletter, MCL Notes.  The June/July/August edition is now available.

Manchester, NH: City - Advisory

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Enjoy our 2023 Spring Newsletter!

Manchester, NH: City - Advisory

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In accordance with the City of Manchester’s U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funded programs, notice is hereby given that as part of the development process of a Programmatic Agreement with the New Hampshire State Historic Preservation Officer and Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the City of Manchester Planning & Community Development Department has prepared a draft Programmatic Agreement pursuant to 36 CFR 800.13 of the Council’s regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f). The draft will be available for public review during a 30-day comment period beginning Monday, May 15, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. through Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

The Programmatic Agreement is an element of the City’s administration of its HUD funded Programs  (Community Development Block Grant Program, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, Lead Hazard Control Program, Healthy Homes Production Grant Program and Emergency Shelter Grant Program), under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and the Housing Act of 1937, under Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, under Title X of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 and Subtitle B of Title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The City has determined that the administration of its HUD funded programs may have an effect upon properties that are listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Place due to making funding available to assist City departments, individuals, for profit business and not for profit organizations to implement projects and program including housing initiatives, public facilities, handicap accessibility improvements and public services in the City of Manchester, NH

The City, along with the New Hampshire Historic Preservation Officer and Advisory Council on Historic Preservation agree that the City’s HUD funded programs shall be administered in accordance with specific stipulations to satisfy the City’s Section 106 responsibilities for individual undertakings of the program. The HUD funded programs includes a number of activities that will primarily benefit low to moderate income City residents, either directly or indirectly. 

Copies of the draft Programmatic Agreement will be available for public inspection for 30 days beginning on May 15, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. at the following location during regular business hours:

Planning & Community Development Department, One City Hall Plaza, Manchester, NH;

Available digitally at: https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Planning-and-Comm-Dev/Community-Improvement-Program

The public is encouraged to submit comments on the proposed Programmatic Agreement through June 15, 2023. Please submit written comments to the City of Manchester Department of Planning and Community Development, Community Improvement Program, One City Hall Plaza, Manchester, NH 03101.

In addition to the above public comment period, the Planning and Community Development Community Improvement Staff will be conducting a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 23^rd at 5:00PM at City Hall in the Aldermanic Chambers, located at One City Hall Plaza, Manchester. This meeting is being held in order to provide City residents the opportunity to comment on the draft Programmatic Agreement. Manchester Citizens, including public housing residents, public and private agencies, community groups, businesses and other interested parties are invited and encouraged to attend so they may voice their concerns and express their opinions. The comments received during this meeting will be provided to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP).

Questions regarding the Programmatic Agreement and Public Hearing may be addressed to Grants Administration Manager, Todd Fleming in the Planning and Community Development Department at 603-624-6450. Individuals requiring special reasonable accommodations for access to the hearing are requested to contact this Department at the above number at least 72 hours prior to the hearing.

Signed: Jeffrey D. Belanger, AICP

Director of Planning and Community Development

Manchester, NH: City - Advisory

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Manchester, NH: City - Advisory

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Manchester, NH: City - Advisory

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Official Election Results are available on our webpage.  There were 1293 voters, or 22% of those registered in Ward 6, who participated in the Special Non-Partisan Municipal Election held at the Henry J. McLaughlin Middle School on May 9, 2023, to fill an aldermanic vacancy on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.   An incredible turnout and marking one of the highest ever in the city for a special election outside of the regular election schedule.  

NH DHHS Advises Consumers of Recall of lef Farms Packaged Salad Greens Sold at Market Basket and Hannaford Stores

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is advising consumers not to consume a specific lot (lot number SP10723-1RGH1) of the lef Farms “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens ("best by" date 5/5/23), produced in its Loudon, New Hampshire greenhouse, as they have the potential to be contaminated with Escherichia coli O157 bacteria. The product comes in a 4-oz, clear, plastic clamshell container.

The recall was initiated after a sample tested by the DHHS Public Health Laboratory tested positive for E. coli O157. No illnesses have been reported to date. lef Farms “Spice” is the only product impacted to date and affected retailers include Hannaford and Market Basket.  DHHS and the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture Markets and Food are working collaboratively with the company to determine the root cause of the contamination.

“As E. coli O157 bacteria can cause serious illness, it is best to throw out any potentially contaminated food rather than risk infection,” said Tricia Tilley, Director of Public Health Services. “Foods that are contaminated may not look, smell, or taste any different so there is no way to tell.”

Consumers who have purchased the affected lef Farms “Spice” products should discard them or present a photo of the product or receipt to their place of purchase for a full refund and then discard. Consumers with questions are encouraged to call 1-866-857-8745 between 8:00am-7:00pm EDT or email info@lef-farms.com with the subject line: Recall.

Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, others can cause illness. E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. Seniors, the very young, and people with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illnesses. Any consumers concerned about an illness should contact their healthcare provider. Anyone in New Hampshire diagnosed as having an illness related to E. coli O157 is also urged to contact the DHHS Division of Public Health Services at 603-271-4496.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Public Information Office

603-271-9389 or pio@dhhs.nh.gov

Read the PDF here: Recall of lef Farms Packaged Salad Greens DHHS Press Release 

Gold Medal Unbleached and Bleached All Purpose Flour Recalled Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination

Concord, NH - The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) advises consumers to check if they have two-, five- and 10-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached and Bleached All Purpose Flour. General Mills has announced a recall for Gold Medal all purpose flour with “better if used by” date of March 27, 2024, and March 28, 2024. The recall is being issued for the potential presence of Salmonella Infantis, which was discovered during sampling of the five-pound bag product.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with local and state partners, are investigating an ongoing outbreak of Salmonella Infantis infections linked to Gold Medal brand flour. There have been thirteen total illnesses with 3 hospitalizations. There are no New Hampshire cases associated with this outbreak at this time.

This recall affects two date codes of Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose Flour in the five- and ten pound bags and two date codes of Gold Medal Bleached All Purpose Flour in the two- and five-pound bags. All other types of Gold Medal Flour are not affected by this recall.

Guidance from the FDA and CDC warns that consumers should refrain from consuming any raw products made with flour. Salmonella Infantis is killed by heat through baking, frying, sautéing or boiling products made with flour. All surfaces, hands and utensils should be properly cleaned after contact with flour or dough.

This voluntary recall includes the following code dates currently in stores or consumers’ pantries, all with “Better if Used by” dates of 27MAR2024 and 28MAR2024:

Consumers are asked to check their pantries and dispose of the product affected by this recall. Consumers who have had to discard products covered by this recall may contact General Mills Consumer Relations at 1-800-230-8103. Consumers who no longer have the flour package and are uncertain if their flour is part of the recall are advised to discard it as it may be a recalled lot.

Salmonella causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps usually 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. However, in some cases, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the patient is treated promptly with antibiotics.

The DHHS Division of Public Health Services continues to follow this outbreak closely, including investigation of any reported cases in close coordination with the CDC and the FDA, and will provide updates as they become available. For further information visit the FDA website at https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-flour-april-2023?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery or to report a suspected illness associated with this investigation contact the DPHS Bureau of Infectious Disease Control at 603-271-4496.

View PDF here: PRESS RELEASE: Gold Medal Unbleached and Bleached All Purpose Flour Recalled Due To Possible Salmonella Contaminationnts

In accordance with the City of Manchester's Citizen Participation Plan notice is hereby given that as part of the development process of the City's FY2023 Community Improvement Program, the City of Manchester Planning & Community Development Department has prepared a draft of the HUD FY2023 Annual Action Plan.  The draft will be available for public review during a 30-day comment period beginning Monday, April 17, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. through Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.  The Action Plan is an annual element of the five-year Consolidated Plan, which is a prerequisite for the receipt of funding from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and HOME funding.  The estimated level of funding for each is as follows:  CDBG entitlement funds in the amount of $1,631,806 with an additional $400,395 of projected program income / unprogrammed funds; HOME funds in the amount of $773,555 with an additional $116,000 of projected program income/unprogrammed funds; and ESG funds in the amount of $148,899, for a total entitlement funding of $3,070,655.  Submittal to HUD of the Federal Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Action Plan will occur upon approval by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, slated to occur in May.  The Action PLan includes a number of activities that will primarily benefit low to moderate income City residents, either directly or indirectly.  The Action Plan also includes a summary of the consultation process and coordination between the City and the Manchester Continuum of Care to support homelessness needs and services with entitlement funds. Proposed activities encompass (1) Public Service Activities which include day care, health care services, youth outreach, after school and educational and recreational programs, social services and neighborhood safety oriented programs; (2) Homeless Prevention and Homeless Support Services; (3) General Municipal and Community Development Programs including neighborhood and housing revitalization, infrastructure improvements, lead paint hazard remediation; and (4) Planning and Administration to include administrative costs for overall program activities and contingencies.  Copies of the draft Annual Action Plan will be available for public inspection for 30 days beginning on April 17, 2023 at 5:00 pm at the following locations during regular business hours:   Planning & Community Development Department, One City Hall Plaza, Manchester, NH ; Manchester City Library, 405 Pine Street, Manchester, NH; Manchester Community Resource Center, 434 Lake Avenue, Manchester, NH;  Available digitally at :  http://www.manchesternh.gov/departments/planning-and-comm-dev/communityimprovement-program/HUD-submittals.  Questions regarding the Action Plan may be addressed to CIP Coordinator, Todd Fleming in the Planning and Community Development Department at 624-6450.  The public is encouraged to submit comments through May 17, 2023.  Please submit written comments to the City of Manchester Department of Planning and Community Development, , Community Improvement Program, One City Hall Plaza, Manchester NH 03101.

 Signed:  Jeffrey D. Belanger, AICP

                Director of Planning and Community Development

In an effort to help curb the number of Manchester residents having limited access to fresh, healthy foods, the City of Manchester Health Department (MHD) in partnership with the Manchester Food Collaborative, has released its 2023 Manchester Healthy Food Access Plan (HFAP). 

According to the 2022 Greater Manchester Community Health Needs Assessment, more than ten percent of Manchester residents had trouble getting access to food in the last three years, and 44% of Manchester school aged children qualify for free or reduced price school lunches. Manchester Health Department Supervisor, Elaine Michaud, says it is “very important to address health conditions such as obesity and diabetes, lack of access to fresh fruit s and vegetables, and improving access to those foods in high poverty neighborhoods.”

Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig says we are improving the well being for many in need, “Increased access to healthy foods and proper nutrition contributes to the overall health of our community and will improve the quality of life for our residents. I’m thankful for the Health Department’s proactive approach to decreasing food insecurity, especially for our youth.”

In an effort to improve Manchester residents’ access to healthy and culturally appropriate food, the Manchester Health Department solicited input directly from City residents through surveys and community focus groups. Based on information gathered, and with the help of community partners, including NH Food Bank, NH Hunger Solutions, Families in Transition, Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success (ORIS), Amoskeag Health, Unite Us, and Elliot Health System 23 strategies were identified to improve access to healthy foods for Manchester residents. The strategies fall within the four dimensions of food security, as outlined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO):

• Availability (physical availability of food)

• Access (economic and physical access to food)

• Utilization (food handling and adequate nutrition)

• Stability (stability of the three dimensions above over time)
   

Short term strategies to be implemented within 1 2 years, include:

• expanding farmer’s markets and community gar dens into low access/low income neighborhoods;

• strengthen and expand the Health Department’s existing Healthy Corner Store pilot program to additional center city stores;

• creating school based food access sites, such as pantries or pop up food distribution events;

• supporting infrastructure of existing food pantries and food banks to allow storage of fresh produce and meats; and,

• educating the public on available resources.

The plan is part of the Manchester Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Initiative. Michaud says improving access to healthy food is an investment in the health and well being of all community members. “Communities are more likely to thrive when residents have access to healthy, affordable, culturally appropriate foods for themselves an d their families. This Plan is an important step towards improved healthy food access for Manchester’s citizens.”

The complete Healthy Food Access Plan can be found here:
https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Health/Services/Healthy-Food-Access

View press release here: Healthy Food Access Press Release 

Thank you for subscribing to the Manchester City Library's newsletter, MCL Notes.  The March/April/May edition is now available.

The City of Manchester Community Improvement Program Staff will be conducting a public hearing on the HUD FY2023 and City FY2024 Community Improvement Program (CIP) which includes funds allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, (HUD). The hearing will be held on Wednesday, March 8th at 5:00 PM at the Manchester Community Resource Center, 4th Floor, located at 434 Lake Avenue, Manchester. For more information, please view the legal notice attached. 

The Parks & Rec Newsletter is back! 

2023 Winter Newsletter 

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:

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.

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.

###

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.
# # #

The Community Event and Activation Grant (CEAG) program is accepting applications. Funded by the City of Manchester as an approved use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, this program aims to help Manchester recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. With guidance from the Department of the Treasury Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Final Rule, this program calls to action community-based projects that address public health, public safety, the economic recovery of impacted sectors, educational disparities, and more. Up to $10,000 per grant is available to organizations, individuals, and neighborhood groups. A total of $1,000,000 is funded through the end of December 2026 and allocation must take place by the end of December 2024.

Please note: Community Event and Activation Grants cannot exceed $10,000 and require a minimum 25% match of private funding, in-kind donations, and/or volunteer hours. Grant funds are not paid in advance. Upon completion of the project, grantees will submit one reimbursement request to the Planning and Community Development Department Community Improvement Program.

HOW TO APPLY: Download the application here. Applications are due February 15, 2023. Please make sure to use the 1/2023 version of the application as older versions will not be accepted.

Funding is competitive, please note that submission of an application does not guarantee funding. 

Please submit complete applications to PCD-ARPA@manchesternh.gov with the subject line “CEAG Application”, or by mail to City of Manchester, Planning and Community Development, Attn: CEAG Application, 1 City Hall Plaza, Manchester, NH 03101.

For questions, please email PCD-ARPA@manchesternh.gov or call (603) 792-6721. We invite you to share the program flyer with your networks. Información en español disponible aquí. 

Applications accepted through February 15, 2023

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.
###

On Tuesday, January 3rd, the Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen outlined short term and long term steps to increase available emergency shelter beds in the City of Manchester and address public health and safety concerns in the area of Pine and Manchester Street. The work of the Board resulted in the opening of the City of Manchester Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to serve as a consolidation point for the first responders and departments to facilitate decision making.

Today, the EOC announced that the State of New Hampshire has agreed to grant the City use of the vacant former Tirrell House at 15 Brook Street for use as a women’s shelter. The City will partner with YWCA New Hampshire to provide staffing and wrap around services at the facility.

“I want to thank the YWCA for stepping up to help the City of Manchester address this critical need, as well as the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services for responding to our request for use of the former Tirrell House,” said Mayor Joyce Craig. “We are encouraged by this collaboration, and we hope this is a first step toward a more cooperative approach to addressing homelessness across the state.”

YWCA New Hampshire currently operates Emily’s Place, a confidential emergency shelter program for individuals rebuilding their lives after experiencing domestic and/or sexual violence.

“YWCA NH is pleased to partner with Mayor Joyce Craig and the City of Manchester to support the development and implementation of a women focused shelter in our city,” said Jessica Cantin, CEO, YWCA New Hampshire. “We have provided trauma-informed shelter services in the community for over 30 years. Innovation during a time of crisis, can be challenging, this type of collaboration is how we continue to address the acute needs of the unhoused community here in Manchester. This is a step in the right direction, and we applaud Mayor Joyce Craig and the City for taking bold action in the face of an increasingly growing crisis.”

Use of the Tirrell House was requested by eight of New Hampshire’s Mayors in a letter sent on January 3rd 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.

The Tirrell House was used by Families in Transition as a Men’s Transitional Living Program until November of 2022, when the program ceased operations and returned to the State of New Hampshire.

Approval by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen of a Use of Premises Agreement with the State will be sought via phone poll today, January 11th, and will then come before the Executive Council on Wednesday, January 18th.

Additional EOC Updates:

The first action taken by the EOC was to open a temporary warming station with cots at the William B. Cashin Senior Activity Center for individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The Cashin Center is open from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am daily, and storage of belongings and transportation is provided.

Last night, January 10th, the Cashin Center served 15 individuals. Since the Cashin Center was opened, a total of 31 individuals have been served, with many staying multiple nights.

There have been reports of an overdose at the Cashin Center last night, however, this is inaccurate. There was no overdose and the ambulance requested for this concern was canceled.

The Cashin Center was opened, in addition to the warming station provided by 1269 Cafe and HOPE for New Hampshire Recovery at 456 Union Street, to address the lack of capacity at state-funded shelters across New Hampshire.

The EOC is working daily with New Hampshire 2-1-1 to understand shelter capacity throughout the state and connect individuals in need with available shelter beds, including connecting non-manchester residents with any resources available in their home communities.

Daily outreach efforts from Manchester Fire, Manchester Police, and partner organizations are ongoing around the Pine St and Manchester St encampment, and Manchester Police continues 24/7 police patrols in the area.
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Starting Saturday, January 7, 2023, and with approval from the Department of Defense (DoD), Manchester children will receive additional dental care they may not otherwise have access to. The City’s school-based oral health program has been around since the 1970s, providing preventative dental care to 600 students per year.  However, recent years have seen a challenge in identifying local dental providers who are willing and able to accept uncompensated referrals for students who require more involved dental care. 

“This partnership between the NHARNG and Manchester Health Department allows us to expand critical dental service to students in Manchester, ensuring cost is not a barrier to health,” said Mayor Joyce Craig. “Our students deserve high-quality, preventative care, and I’m grateful for the support from the NHARNG in providing these services.”

Through the DoD’s Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program, which pairs military training requirements with community needs, the NHARNG’s Medical Detachment will provide fillings and extractions to children already using the long successful Manchester Oral Health Program.

“The IRT program is a unique way for the Guard to support local communities while gaining valuable, real-world training experience,” said NH Adjutant Gen. David Mikolaities. “There is nothing more fulfilling for our citizen-soldiers than to serve their fellow citizens in their own backyard.”

In the past year, the NH National Guard (NHNG) has supported multiple IRT missions, including a healthcare clinic for Cherokee Nation, Okla., an airlift for the state’s Nature Conservancy, and a construction project for Greenfield State Park.

City of Manchester Health Department Director Anna Thomas who served in the military and the NHARNG, says this collaboration came to fruition after meeting with Col. Richard Oberman, deputy director of the Joint Staff for the NHNG.  “For years, we talked about the ways our NHARNG medical assets could serve local communities in New Hampshire. We certainly experienced that benefit throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This new venture optimizes the best of both our worlds and assists our City and State’s most valuable resource – our children and families.”

This partnership and the care provided come at no cost to the families, the city or the health department. Future clinic days are being planned on a monthly basis to serve qualifying Manchester students from all 21 public schools through the end of the school year.

See Press Release Below:

MHD Dental Program