Lindzey with her diploma.

Nineteen-year-old Lindzey became homeless in December, just six months before her high school graduation. Lindzey stayed with family or friends for a few nights at a time and continued to attend high school but by May she had run out of places to stay. A case worker at Child and Family Services connected Lindzey with Cross Roads House.

  

When she arrived at Cross Roads House, Lindzey was only a few days away from graduation. She met with her Case Manager Jessica, and put a plan in place. "My case manager encouraged me to finish a five page essay for [high school]. She encouraged me to look for a job and to go to college."

 

All the planning and hard work paid off quickly for Lindzey. "I graduated high school. I did it all by myself while being homeless. I got a job. I got accepted to College at Great Bay [Community College] and I start in the fall."

 

Now Lindzey is looking towards the future. "My goals are to go to college, get my own place, and to work at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard doing mechanical engineering."

 

Although the last few months have been difficult, Lindzey is keeping a positive attitude. "I've been through a lot, but I'm still keeping my head up and putting one foot in front of the other. I'm still breathing. I'm the same person that I was yesterday. It's not going to change me."

 

Click here to read our latest printed newsletter which features a story about Josh, a resident in our transitional program. Josh arrived at Cross Roads House after he was laid off from his job, lost his apartment, and used up all his savings. Since his arrival, Josh has found a great job and is saving up for his own place.  

 

A comfortable bed is one of the most basic services we provide at Cross Roads House. It is also one of the most important. The men, women and children who seek assistance at Cross Roads House rely on us to provide them with a safe and sanitary place to rest, recuperate and start over. 

Cross Roads House needs to replace nearly 1/4 of our matresses this year due to normal wear and tear and we are looking for your help. You can help us provide a good night's sleep by donating $125 today. Your donation will cover the cost of one matress, but more importantly, it will help give someone the rest they need to get back on their feet.

Click here to donate today or mail your donation to: Cross Roads House, 600 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801. Please write "Fund A Mattress" in the memo line.

 

Last month, local high school student Sai Narra led a group of volunteers in beautifying some areas around Cross Roads House as part of his Eagle Scout project. Sai constructed a new gravel walkway in front of the shelter, removed the grass from the area around our raised bed vegetable gardens, spread bark mulch around the gardens and constructed a new wooden bench to be placed in the garden area. We are very grateful to Sai and all the volunteers who helped to make our outside spaces more beautiful and functional.