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Serving Rockingham, Strafford

&  Southern York Counties

 



September 2014

Last night Cross Roads House sheltered 

91 people including 11 families with 22 children.

 
Quick Links



You can reach us at 
603-436-2218

FAQ 
 
 
 
Immediate Needs
 
Gas cards ($5-10)

Baby wipes

Baby monitors

Diapers: Size 3, 4, 5, & 6

Overnight Pull-ups:
Size 2T & 3T

Children's Benadryl

Cough & cold medication
(adult, alcohol-free)

Pantry Needs
 
Meat (Chicken, Beef, Fish, etc.)
 
Pasta Sauce
 
Coffee
 
Baking Mixes (Cake, Brownies, etc.)

Sandwich bags

Deli meat

Snack packs (Chips, Granola Bars, Crackers, etc.)
Giving back, one cup of coffee at a time


Allen was overwhelmed when he arrived at Cross Roads House. He had been living with his half-sister and lost his housing when she passed away. For the first time in his life, Allen was alone and homeless. "When I first got here, I didn't know what to expect. I didn't sleep good for probably about a week. It was a little scary, but I got through it." 
 
After a trying first week, Allen quickly found a place where he fit in - the kitchen. For most of his stay at Cross Roads House, Allen has selflessly woken up at 4 a.m. to make coffee and put out the day's breakfast choices for all the other residents. "I like to do that. I like seeing people smile because there's a cup of coffee. This place has done a lot for me so I feel I can give back a little bit by helping out around here."
 
"Allen has always been cheerful and insists that these morning tasks are the least that he can do to show gratitude for being here," shares Dan Mitchell, Director of Operations. "Allen approaches every day with a warm smile and the belief that a small thing like a cup of coffee can make a huge difference in someone's life. He has helped countless residents by getting up early on a daily basis to prepare a table of donated fresh fruit, coffee, cereal, donuts, and bagels."
 
Throughout his time here, Allen has worked with his case manager Jessica to secure an income and find stable housing. Now it looks like both his goals are within his reach. "When I arrived here I had nothing. Now I have [an income] and I'm close to getting an apartment of my own, which I've never had before."

 

Allen is looking forward to securing an apartment and saving up for a vehicle. He says his biggest goal now is to reconnect with his sons, who he has not spoken with in some time. 

 



Welcome home Chris and Josh!






 
On August 25th Chris Pamboukes and Josh Andrews (pictured above) successfully completed their 2,000 mile bike journey from Vancouver, British Columbia, to San Diego, California, along the Pacific Coast Highway. To date, the Pedal for Power duo has raised over $11,600 towards their goal of $50,000, which would cover the cost of installation for a solar electric system at Cross Roads House. 

 

Chris and Josh have shared many of the inspiring stories and photos from their trip on their Facebook page, Pedal for Power, 2,000 Miles for Solar.
 

Moving forward, the pair would like to continue their fundraising efforts throughout the Seacoast area and beyond. "We feel incredibly successful with what we have achieved so far, however, we are still eager to continue working towards our entire goal."


 

Would you like to help Chris and Josh plan new and exciting ways to reach their fundraising goals? Email PedalforPower2014@gmail.com and visit their website, www.pedalforpower.com .

 
Help our residents get organized
 
Case managers at Cross Roads House help residents obtain vital records like birth certificates and social security cards, fill out job and housing applications, and apply for other services they may be eligible for. All this paperwork can easily be lost in the shuffle of everyday life. Additionally, residents have limited storage space at the shelter which makes organization a challenge.  

You can help our residents keep all of their paperwork organized and remember appointments by donating accordion file folders and academic year day planners to the shelter. Donations can be dropped off at the shelter at any time.
 

Volunteer Orientation - October 9, 2014  

 

Interested in volunteering at Cross Roads House?

 

Pictured above are vegetables that a dedicated group of Cross Roads House volunteers planted, cultivated and harvested from the shelter's raised bed gardens.


 

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

 

Find out how you can become a volunteer by attending Volunteer Orientation on Thursday, October 9, or Thursday, November 13, from 5:30-6:30 pm at the shelter. Orientation will not be held in December. Orientation includes a shelter tour, an overview of kitchen operations, and volunteer expectations. 

 

If you have any questions about volunteering or about our orientation program, e-mail JoAnn Rohde at j.rohde@crossroadshouse.org

or call 603-436-2218 ext. 107. Pre-registration for orientation is not required. 

 

Please Note:  Volunteers must be over 18 and out of high school to volunteer at the shelter   

 

Click this link for driving directions and parking instructions. 

 

"Thank you" UNH Proves
 


For three days last month, first-year UNH students volunteered at the shelter through the UNH PrOVES program. 

Students helped with landscaping, cleaning and other important tasks while at the shelter. We are so grateful for all their help!

"Thank you" Sun Life Financial

 


 

Pictured left are some of our young residents holding bags filled with first aid supplies that were generously donated by Sun Life Financial. Each of the 50 bags included a small emergency kit, band aids, an ace bandage, and more. 

 

Thank you, Sun Life Financial, for contributing to the well-being of our residents!  
Cross Roads House
600 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Ph  603.436.2218  Fax  603.430.9217
www.crossroadshouse.org