Mayor Ruais applauds $3.7M SAFER Grant awarded to Manchester Fire Dept

Federal FEMA funds will help increase hiring of new firefighters 

MANCHESTER, NH – Recognizing the need to keep our city’s first responders properly staffed, Mayor Jay Ruais joined state and local officials today for the announcement of a $3.7 million SAFER Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to Manchester’s Fire Department (MFD) to help increase the hiring of frontline firefighters.

   With Station Five on Webster Street as a back drop, Ruais thanked MFD Chief Ryan Cashin, Congressman Chris Pappas, and the Board of Aldermen for leading the way in obtaining the much-need funding, saying “At a time when our first responders are under more pressure than ever to answer calls 24/7, we need to be sure we have the personnel to cover all of our fire and fire-related emergencies. We deeply appreciate this SAFER grant from FEMA and know it will go a long way to enhancing MFD’s response capabilities. It’s only right that we support the firefighters who always come to our rescue.”

   Chief Cashin reinforced the importance of the funding saying, “The SAFER grant represents an important and timely investment into the safety of our firefighters and the community.  The fire department looks forward to this growth opportunity while continuing to provide fire and rescue services to this great city."

     FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant (SAFER) was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, "front line" firefighters. As of Sept. 23, 2024, FEMA has made 191 SAFER awards totaling $360 million. A total of 18 cities and towns in New Hampshire have received this funding since the program started in 2015.

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Mayor Announces $600K in Funding to Keep Domestic Violence Shelter Open

City and community partners secure ARPA funds for purchase of Emily’s Place building

MANCHESTER, NH – Mayor Jay Ruais announced today that the city and its community partners have secured $600,000 from the state in unobligated ARPA funds for the purchase of the building housing Emily’s Place. The domestic violence shelter had been in danger of closing when its crisis services operators REACH and the YWCA ended their partnership. REACH has joined with Bridges: Domestic and Sexual Violence Support for leadership and fiscal oversight until REACH becomes an independent, nonprofit organization.

   “Domestic violence is an abhorrent crime and we must be proactive in protecting those who suffer from this abuse,” said Ruais. “That’s where shelters like Emily’s Place play such a critical role in providing crisis services and a safe place to stay. I am deeply appreciative of Governor Sununu and all of the parties involved in obligating these funds. The financial support Emily’s Place has received from the State of New Hampshire has also been made possible by the outstanding advocacy from New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and Bridges: Domestic & Sexual Violence Support Services. As a result, we now have an operational and purchase plan for Emily ‘s Place moving forward, guaranteeing it will remain a vital shelter for our at-risk population.”     

    “When Mayor Ruais made the case for Emily’s Place, it was clear that these funds would be put to good use to ensure these important services remain in place for this vulnerable population,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “The Queen City and Manchester residents have a tireless advocate in Mayor Ruais working around the clock on their behalf. I thank the City of Manchester for its partnership on this important project!”

     Amanda Grady Sexton, Director of Public Affairs at the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence spoke about the importance of finding the necessary funding for Emily ‘s Place, "When there was the possibility we could lose a critical emergency shelter, the Governor's Office, GOFERR, the State Legislature, and the Executive Council each did their part to ensure that funding would be available so that victims and children fleeing domestic violence would not be displaced. We're especially grateful to Mayor Ruais for his advocacy efforts on this project and for understanding the importance of maintaining life-saving services for victims of abuse in the Manchester community," she said.

   Dawn Reams, Executive Director of Bridges: Domestic & Sexual Violence Support Services, added, “We are thrilled that the Executive Council approved the funding to purchase Emily’s Place. This shelter has been a vital resource to survivors in the Manchester area for decades, and we are grateful that it will remain available to those who need it. We are so thankful to Mayor Ruais and all of the stakeholders who worked to support this project."

Background  

• Emily’s Place opened as a domestic violence shelter for victims of abuse and their children in Manchester in 1988. The building was donated by two private donors, and the shelter was fitted, furnished, and prepared for service through additional donations and time volunteered by community members. 
• Since its creation, Emily’s Place has been operated by the crisis services program at the YWCA NH, known as REACH Crisis Services (REACH), and has been sustained by state and federal domestic and sexual violence funding administered by the NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
• Emily’s Place has continued to serve this at-risk population, providing both confidential advocacy services (under NH RSA 173-C) and an array of other trauma-informed services, including support with court processes and financial literacy training. The shelter currently serves 60-70 individuals annually and is the largest shelter serving victims of domestic violence in the state.
• As of July 1, 2024, REACH is no longer part of the YWCA NH. Bridges: Domestic and Sexual Violence Support (Bridges) of Nashua is providing leadership, oversight, and support for REACH as a fiscal agent. REACH has filed to become an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a member program of the Coalition serving the Manchester area. As a standalone organization, REACH will provide greater visibility to victims in the Manchester community.  

Funding Request

• Allocate unobligated ARPA funds for a one-time expense to sustain a vital, life-saving service for some of New Hampshire’s most vulnerable citizens.
• As part of this organizational transition, it was the hope of both the Coalition and REACH that Emily’s Place would remain with REACH, honoring both the original charitable donation of the property and the decades of domestic violence funding that have maintained the shelter for its stated purpose.   
• In the current real estate market, it would be inordinately difficult for REACH to identify and secure a suitable alternative location if it were to lose Emily’s Place, creating a significant gap for survivors of domestic violence in Manchester.  
• The Coalition, REACH, and Bridges as the fiscal agent are seeking funding to purchase Emily’s Place from the YWCA to ensure that services continue in Manchester without disruption, both for the families currently living at Emily’s Place, and for victims who will need this essential service to empower them in their pursuit of safety and security in the weeks, months, and years to come. 

Domestic Violence Shelter Programs & Housing Needs of Victims

• According to statistics produced by the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), between 22 and 57% of all homeless women report that domestic violence was the immediate cause of their homelessness. We also know that 38% of all victims of domestic violence become homeless at some point in their lives.
• A victim of domestic violence will often attempt to leave an abuser multiple times before finally escaping the violence and can, therefore, experience multiple periods of homelessness.
• Everyday crisis center advocates across the state work with survivors who need support in fleeing violence or creating security within their homes. Advocates know and understand that when housing survivors, there are exceptional considerations to be made including safety and confidentiality. Over the last four years in New Hampshire, crisis centers across the state supported nearly 2,000 adults and children for more than 161,000 nights in emergency shelters. Of those guests, 1,138 were women, 41 were men, and 758 were children. 
• Emily’s Place is one of 11 domestic violence shelters in New Hampshire.

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First Homeless Veterans find Housing as part of Mayor’s new Initiative

MANCHESTER, NH – Less than two weeks after launching a new initiative to effectively end homelessness in Manchester for retired military service members by January of 2026, Mayor Jay Ruais announced today four homeless veterans have new places to call home.

   “The support for this program has been amazing,” said Ruais, “The fact we’re less than two weeks in and already housed four veterans with safe and reliable apartments is beyond gratifying. As I said at our kickoff event at the NH Veterans Stand Down, we’ve set our sights high because in Manchester we don’t shrink from a challenge and we don’t shirk our responsibilities. Even one homeless military service member is too many. It’s only right we put a reliable roof over their heads given everything they have sacrificed for our country. We are making progress and changing lives.”

   Ruais went on to thank Harbor Care and the city landlords committing units to the initiative as well as the community partners who are helping to house veterans all across the city.

   Harbor Care CEO Henry Ochs added, "We are proud to be working with the City of Manchester in ending Veteran Homelessness.  Our early success in housing four Veterans demonstrates the power of effective community collaborations and leadership under Mayor Ruais. Harbor Care is confident that Manchester will be able to effectively end Veteran Homelessness in the city."

Note: Landlords and non-profits groups interested in joining the mayor’s initiative to help house homeless veterans can email mayor@manchesternh.gov

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Mayor Ruais announces Ward 5 Town Hall Meeting

MANCHESTER, NH – Mayor Jay Ruais today announced the following event:

WHAT:            Ward 5 Town Hall Meeting

WHEN:            Tuesday, October 8^th from 6:00pm-7:00pm

WHERE:         Beech Street School, 333 Beech Street

NOTE:             Ward 5 Alderman Tony Sapienza and Ward 5 School Board Member Jason Bonilla have also been invited.

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Board of Aldermen Approves Mayor’s Proposed Ordinance Becoming First

Municipality in NH to Regulate Syringe Service Programs

MANCHESTER, NH - Mayor Jay Ruais won approval on Tuesday night for his proposed ordinance requiring oversight of Syringe Service Programs (SSP), and mandating an exchange of needles take place in order to minimize the number of discarded syringes. SSPs were authorized in New Hampshire in 2017 per RSA 318-B:43 under which municipalities are not permitted to prohibit the operations of these programs. Manchester is now the first municipality in New Hampshire to require oversight and set guidelines for how these programs must operate. The Board of Aldermen voted 12-2 in favor of this ordinance.

Ruais stated, “I firmly believe we cannot allow for the unregulated flow of syringes into our city because this has had a negative impact on the quality-of-life in Manchester. Our parks and our streets must be safe, clean and accessible for all residents, businesses and visitors. This ordinance is long overdue, and while it will not solve the problem overnight, it represents an important first step toward increasing our quality of life while maintaining our commitment to public health. We are making every effort to address the concerns of our residents to rid our city of discarded syringes. In addition to this ordinance, our Parks and Health Departments have partnered to do regular pickups throughout the city, and our downtown street cleaning crew is also engaged in daily monitoring and collection. We are not where we want to be, but we are making progress.”

Ruais continued, “I want to thank the Aldermen for their support of this ordinance, and their commitment to being responsive to the concerns of their wards. Additionally, this would not have been possible without the efforts of our Solicitor’s Office, Public Health Department, and community partners who put a great deal of work in moving this initiative forward. Working together, we can truly make a difference in our community. Lastly, I continue to be encouraged by the decline in reported overdoses (23%) and overdose fatalities (25%) this year over last, and will continue to engage in all our efforts to further reduce these tragedies in our city.”

The new ordinance will do the following:

• Requires an exchange of syringes to minimize the number of discarded syringes.
• Requires the SSP to register with the City in order to ensure transparency, and accountability while providing the City with detailed data and information regarding their operations, including: the location, program schedule, and personnel and volunteers of the participating organization.
• Outlines the locations at which they are permitted to operate to ensure they are not operating in our parks or around our schools, playgrounds, libraries or State-licensed daycare facilities.
• Mandates that SSP’s distribute educational materials on disease prevention and substance misuse treatment options.
• Explicitly prohibits safe injection sites.
• Mandates that needle disposal containers must not be visible to the general public from any publicly-owned space or right of way.
• Outlines necessary criteria for any fixed location.
• Imposes penalties on those found in violation of this ordinance with fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 with each day of violation constituting a separate offense.

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Mayor reports overdose numbers for month of August continuing yearly decline

City on track to record 23% fewer overdoses and 25% less overdose deaths than 2023

MANCHESTER, NH – Mayor Jay Ruais today announced overdose numbers in Manchester for the month of August. Overall, the city is on track to record 23 percent fewer suspected overdoses and 25 percent less opioid-related deaths for the year.   

      “Through the first 8 months of 2024, the number of suspected opioid overdoses in Manchester continues to be significantly less than last year and is trending towards the lowest amount of suspected opioid overdoses since the record low 2020 year,” said Ruais. “American Medical Response (AMR) recorded 37 suspected opioid overdoes in Manchester during August 2024 and one suspected opioid death which is one of the lowest monthly totals this year.”

     Ruais added, “While the nature of the opioid epidemic can be unpredictable, these numbers and the trends they are creating are very encouraging. We know there is more work to be done, but my heartfelt thanks are with our first responders, Health Department and community partners and all those who are committed as we are to ending the opioid epidemic. The news that the city is on track to record 23-percent less suspected overdoses this year than 2023 and 25-percent fewer deaths is real progress.”

     Commenting on the August numbers, Public Health Director Anna Thomas said, “This continued success is a testament to the hard work by the staff of the City of Manchester Health Department, our first responders and community partners. This unified front is surpassing the pace of national trends. By deploying evidence-based practices and coordinating our collective efforts, we are saving lives and meeting people where they are at. We are cautiously optimistic that Manchester’s future will be healthier for it.”

AMR Data for Manchester as of 8/31/24:

August 2024                          Overdoses    37                      Overdose Deaths    1

Jan.- Aug. 2024                     Overdoses  356                      Overdose Deaths  29

2023 Totals                            Overdoses  695                      Overdose Deaths  58

2024 “Projected” Totals      Overdoses  534 (- 23%)         Overdose Deaths  44  (- 25%)

     In New Hampshire, anyone can seek substance use disorder treatment by accessing the NH Doorway program 24/7. Call 2-1-1 at any time of the day or night, or visit www.thedoorway.nh.gov. If you believe someone is overdosing call 9-1-1 immediately.

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Mayor Ruais Announces Initiative to Effectively End Veterans’ Homelessness

Goal is to support military service members and their families

with permanent places to live

MANCHESTER, NH – Mayor Jay Ruais today announced his goal of effectively ending veterans’ homelessness in Manchester by the end of his term in January of 2026. The ambitious project has the support of state and local government leaders, along with veterans’ support groups and city landlords. The announcement came at the NH Veteran Stand Down event held at Eversource’s Energy Park. 

     Ruais put the urgency of the situation in perspective, saying, “We have set our sights high because in Manchester we don’t shrink from a challenge. We don’t shirk our responsibilities and we know anything is possible if we put our minds to it. There are currently 47 former military service members experiencing homelessness in Manchester. Many of them are connected to veteran service organizations and are in transitional housing units waiting for a permanent housing opportunity to come along. Some, unfortunately, may be doubling up with a friend or family member while others, sadly, may be residing on our city streets and parks.”

     “To achieve this milestone for our homeless military service population, Manchester will be operating off of a full accounting of these individuals at all times, maintaining quality, real-time, comprehensive data on the veterans’ experiencing homelessness,” said Ruais. “And we will follow the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) benchmarks to ensure we reach this designation. Community stakeholders have been meeting and partnerships are forming to collaborate on achieving this goal. Lessons learned from the success of this initiative will be scaled up to address homelessness on a broader level.”

     Some of the steps taken thus far include: Landlord recruitment, prioritization of service members by the Continuum of Care, expansion of the stakeholders’ group and the finalization of a journey map for an individual to achieve housing. Additionally, a bi-weekly meeting will be held by the Veterans Subcommittee of the Continuum of Care to track progress and ensure accountability.

   Ruais concluded saying, “Even one homeless military service member is too many. It’s only right we put a reliable roof over their heads given everything they have sacrificed for our country. It brings to mind the famous quote: A veteran is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America, for an amount up to and including their life.” 

   The mayor thanked the landlords and all of the community and state partners who have thus far pledged support for the initiative.

   Governor Chris Sununu added his full support for the initiative saying, “New Hampshire is the #1 destination for veterans across the country, and with today’s announcement by Mayor Jay Ruais, our commitment to standing tall to support those who stood tall for us is stronger than ever. With local supports like these from the City of Manchester, coupled with the transformative investments being made in New Hampshire’s first-of-its-kind Veterans Campus in Franklin, we are taking bold steps to do right by our veterans.”

     Other major stakeholders echoed the governor’s sentiments:

NH Adjutant Gen. David Mikolaities

     “During the Revolutionary War, George Washington wrote to a New England governor and observed that ‘the willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by this country.’  Now, more than ever, we must individually and collectively understand that we share a moral obligation to end veteran homelessness. Today’s announcement is an important step forward. We look forward to collaborating with the City of Manchester, by sharing our knowledge and resources, to end veteran homelessness.”

Matthew McCall, Continuum of Care

     “As we work to address the challenges that keep our citizens trapped in homelessness, one of the key strategies is looking at subgroups of the homeless community and the unique circumstances, challenges, and opportunities there are to address their housing and support needs. Ending homelessness for veterans, for individuals who have served our community and country through great personal sacrifice, is an obligation we must fulfill. No one who serves our country should find themselves homeless and unsupported. It is efforts like this, bringing together veterans, providers, and city support that are needed to end homelessness. The CoC is proud to be part of supporting this historic intervention to end homelessness and the conditions that create homelessness for those who served this great nation. The people of Manchester should be proud to have a city that would take on such a vital goal.” 

Henry Och, CEO, HarborCare

     “As an organization that serves more than 450 veterans each year, and as a veteran myself, breaking the cycle of veteran homelessness is paramount to Harbor Care’s mission. We effectively ended veteran homelessness in Nashua and together we can do the same in Manchester. Harbor Care is proud to be working closely with the mayor and community partners to achieve this important milestone.”

Manchester Landlord commitments to date (10)

• Ledgeview Commercial Partners
• Hausmeister Property Management
• The Denis Group
• Choice Realty
• Red Oak Properties
• Elm Grove Companies 
• Signature on Elm 
• The Welcome Home
• LA Classic Property Management LLC
• Amaskeag Residences

Current Stakeholders actively working to support initiative (12)

• The Office of Governor Chris Sununu
• United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH)
• VA Manchester Healthcare System
• NH Army National Guard (NHANG)
• Harbor Care
• Liberty House
• Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority (MHRA)
• NH Housing and Finance Authority (NHHFA)
• Families in Transition
• Veterans, Inc.
• Easter Seals
• Swim with a Mission (SWAM)

Note: Any landlords or non-profits interested in joining this initiative, please email mayor@manchesternh.gov

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Increased Enforcement and Engagement Center Programs continueto show progress in Manchester

Unlawful behavior in parks lead to arrests and citations

Housing, rehab, and employment numbers for Homeless are up

MANCHESTER, NH - Mayor Jay Ruais announced today the latest data shows the city continues to see real results with programs for the homeless at the Engagement Center, along with increased citations and arrests for illicit behaviors in city parks. 

    “As I’ve said from the beginning, we must implement a comprehensive response to address homelessness. Which is why, since January, we have implemented 13 different initiatives to combat this challenge. Now, three months in, we have data that supports our progress. Since July 12, when additional police details were added to combat hot spots of illegal activity in our parks, there have been 95 arrests and 308 citations issued by law enforcement for unlawful behaviors,” said Ruais. “Additionally, since June, our Engagement Center at 39 Beech Street has continued its incredible work with 20 homeless individuals finding a place to live, 25 getting ID’s or other vital documents, 12 obtaining jobs, 5 entering into Detox or Rehabilitation programs and 458 being connected with providers for health care or other important services.”

     Ruais noted, “I’ve long said, if you need help and want help in the City of Manchester, it exists. However, if you’re here to ignore our ordinances or break our laws, you will be arrested or cited as the situation dictates. The data is showing that our dual efforts of holding offenders accountable and offering help are improving the quality of life in Manchester. I want to thank our police, first responders and community partners who are working so diligently to make this progress possible. While progress is being made, we know full well that more work remains, and with that in mind, we will be implementing additional initiatives soon.” 

    Jake King of East Coast Evolution Leadership manages the Engagement Center (EC).  He added, “I’m very proud of the work being done at the center and how so many individuals, organizations, and agencies have come together to make it all happen. Manchester is a diverse and beautiful community of people and when we are united in our efforts, we get things done. Some of Manchester’s chronic homeless are actually getting housed through the tireless effort of the EC staff, the providers, and the city departments, and it’s only going to get better.”

From Park Enforcement Officers and Community Policing Activity: 7/12/24 - 9/5/24

Arrests – 95

Citations - 308

Engagement Center Totals for June/July/August: 2024

Housed - 20

ID's / Vital documents - 25

Detox/Rehab - 5

Employed - 12

Provider Connections – 458

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Mayor Ruais announces Ward 6 Town Hall Meeting

MANCHESTER, NH – Mayor Jay Ruais today announced the following event:

WHAT:            Ward 6 Town Hall Meeting

WHEN:            Thursday, September 5 from 6:00pm-8:00pm

WHERE:         McLaughlin Middle School, 201 Jack Lovering Drive

NOTE:             Ward 6 Alderman Crissy Kantor and Ward 6 School Board Member Dan Bergeron have also been invited.

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Mayor Ruais announces Ward 8 Town Hall Meeting

MANCHESTER, NH – Mayor Jay Ruais today announced the following event:

WHAT:            Ward 8 Town Hall Meeting

WHEN:            Tuesday, August 27 from 6:00pm-7:00pm

WHERE:         Memorial High School, 1 Crusader Way

NOTE:             Ward 8 Alderman Ed Sapienza and Ward 8 School Board Member Jessica Spillers have also been invited