When Michelle, Dana and their four boys abruptly lost their apartment in Concord they found themselves in need of immediate shelter. "We were originally from this area. Our only family is from around here so we decided to move back." Unfortunately, Michelle and Dana could not stay with their family and could not find affordable housing in the Seacoast area.

  

Michelle and Dana's family arrived at Cross Roads House in early August. Upon their arrival, they began meeting with case manager Jessica. She worked with the family to set goals and work towards moving to permanent housing. "I think that coming here was definitely helpful. Obviously because we had a place to live, but also hearing about all the resources that I didn't realize were available for us. We would have no idea unless we came here."

  

Jessica helped Michelle and Dana apply for housing, budget their money, and get community supports in place for their family.  "As long as you have the correct support and you work hard, you can get yourself out of this situation. They give you the support here to get up and move on. Being here is like reflecting in the mirror and seeing what you've done wrong, fixing it and not making those mistakes anymore. That's what we did."

   

Last week, the family moved out of the shelter into a transitional housing program.  About finding a new home, Michelle says, "I am very comfortable with the situation we are going into. We are very lucky that this has come our way. I feel like being at Cross Roads is what got us to this place."

   

Michelle said the family is grateful for the services they received at Cross Roads House and especially for the guidance they received from their case manager. "She's opened a door for us."

Do you enjoy gardening and planting? Come join in the fun at Cross Roads House as volunteers get their hands dirty with the early spring planting of the shelter's vegetable gardens. If you can lend a hand on either Sunday, April 13th  or Wednesday, April 16th, your work will prove bountiful to the Cross Roads House kitchen. Please contact Sandy DeSisto at 603-431-0265 or sandydesisto@gmail.com for more information. In addition, Sandy would like to hear from anyone interested in watering the beds during the growing season.