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Serving Rockingham, Strafford

&  Southern York Counties


January 2014

Last night Cross Roads House sheltered 92
people including 11 families with 22 children.  

 
Quick Links



You can reach us at 
603-436-2218

FAQ 
 
Immediate Needs

AA & AAA Batteries

Walmart, Rite Aid, and Gas gift cards ($5 or $10)

Twin Size Sheets
 
Pillows
 
Bath Towels
 
2 Microwaves
 
Refrigerator (Call for requirements)
 
 
Pantry Needs
 
Coffee

Canned pasta, meals &
soups with pop tops 
 
Canned vegetables
"Cross Roads House not only changed my life, they saved my life."
 
Lynn entered Cross Roads House in June, determined to make a better life for herself. It was not her first time being homeless, or her first attempt at sobriety, but this time she was convinced she needed to make things work.
Lynn had been living on the streets for several months. Poor health and excessive drinking landed her in the hospital in very serious condition. "I was a sick, sick girl, but people saw potential in me that I didn't."
Throughout her stay at Cross Roads House, Lynn continued to work with her case manager, Jessica, on her goals of obtaining permanent housing and maintaining her sobriety. On being sober for more than five months, Lynn commented, "I feel light, unburdened, and I feel full with joy."
Recently, Lynn moved from Cross Roads House into a transitional housing program, where she can continue work towards independent living with the proper supports in place. "I picked transitional housing because I want to have accountability for a little bit longer. I'm crawling my way back to where I can stand on my own."
Lynn is very thankful for all the help she received at Cross Roads House. "Cross Roads House not only changed my life, they saved my life. It's greatly appreciated."
Homeless Memorial Candlelight Vigil 

More than 75 people attended a Homeless Memorial Candlelight Vigil on December 19, 2013 in Market Square. The event was organized by Cross Roads House to honor homeless individuals in the Seacoast area who have passed away this year. Attendees included board members, staff and residents of Cross Roads House, community members, and Portsmouth's Mayor Bob Lister. Nationally, events like this one are held on or around December 21st, the first day of winter and the longest night of the year. 

"I have lost a couple of friends in the last few months and I've lost some family members," shared Cross Roads House resident Mesfen Rowell (pictured above). Rowell read the poem 'Concrete Pillow' during the vigil in honor of his friends and family. "I'm lucky to be here. I have used a concrete pillow. I read these poems to show my appreciation for Cross Roads and give respect to those who have passed."

Thank You to All of 
Our Holiday Helpers
 
Cross Roads House would like to thank all of our very thoughtful holiday helpers! Whether you made a donation, adopted a family, purchased wish list items, or volunteered your time and talents, we are so grateful for your contribution.
This holiday season staff and volunteers helped to organize activities such as building gingerbread houses, preparing and serving special meals, and even a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Additionally, we were able to provide gifts for every resident.
We are so grateful for this outpouring of support from our friends in the community! 

Volunteer Orientation  - January 9, 2014  

 

Have you ever considered volunteering at  

Cross Roads House?

 

Seven nights a week, our volunteers prepare and serve dinner to our residents.

 

Find out how you too can become a volunteer by attending our next Volunteer Orientation on Thursday, January 9, 2014 from 5:30-6:30 pm at our shelter; see parking directions below.  The orientation will include a shelter tour, an overview of kitchen operations, and volunteer expectations.  Volunteers must be over 18 and out of high school to volunteer at the shelter.

 

Pre-registration for orientation is not required to attend. 

 

Please note:   

Our parking lot often fills up during orientation.   

Click this link for directions and parking instructions.  

 

If you have any questions about volunteering or about our orientation program, please contact JoAnn Rohde who schedules all volunteers:j.rohde@crossroadshouse.org or 436-2218 x 107.

 

Help Spread Cheer Throughout The Year

 

Cross Roads House is looking for individuals or groups who would like to help with upcoming Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day festivities for our residents. For more information about how you can help with these celebrations, please contact JoAnn Rohde at j.rohde@crossroadshouse.org or (603) 436-2218 x 107. 

UPCOMING EVENTS
 
 "Community Supper" at Robert's Maine Grill - January 21st & 28th
Robert's Maine Grill logo
Robert's Maine Grill in Kittery will be hosting "Community Supper" nights on Tuesday, January 21, and Tuesday, January 28, 2014, to benefit Cross Roads House. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, Robert's offers the "Community Supper" which features a $14, 3 course menu and a portion of the proceeds is donated to local nonprofits. For more information about Robert's Maine Grill, click here or call (207)439-0300.
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Thirteenth Annual Comedy Night at Portsmouth Music Hall - February 14th
Give the gift of laughter this Valentine's Day! The Portsmouth Music Hall will be hosting Mike McDonald's 13th Annual Comedy Xxtravaganza on Friday, February 14th at 8 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from the show will be donated to Cross Roads House. For more information or to purchase tickets for this event, click here or call the Music Hall Box Office at (603) 436-2400.
Thank you Cardea Center for Well-being 
Pictured are Dr. Kimberly Higney and Courtney Church of the Cardea Center for Well-being with many of the donations collected by the office's "Warm Hands, Warm Hearts" program.
Cross Roads House would like to extend a special thank you to the Cardea Center for Well-being in Greenland for their generous donation of blankets and mittens. 
Cardea's fourth annual "Warm Hands, Warm Hearts" drive collected blankets, hats and gloves to help keep our residents warm during the cold winter months! We are so grateful for the continued support!
Cross Roads House
600 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Ph  603.436.2218  Fax  603.430.9217
www.crossroadshouse.org