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Serving Rockingham, Strafford

&  Southern York Counties

 



October 2014

Last night Cross Roads House sheltered 

96 people including 11 families with 23 children.

 
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You can reach us at 
603-436-2218

FAQ 
 
 
 
Immediate Needs
 
Gas cards ($5-10)

Baby wipes

Baby monitors

Diapers: Size 6

Ibuprofen

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.)
"Cross Roads helped me out in my darkest hour and I am so grateful."

William on his last day at Cross Roads House.

William arrived at Cross Roads House in April. He had been living in his truck. According to William, he made a series of bad decisions that led to his homelessness. "Who ever thinks they are going to be in a place like this? You never think that, but it could be you. You could have all the money in the world and end up in a place like this."

As soon as he arrived, William disclosed that he had a diagnosis of stage four colorectal cancer and needed extensive treatment. "I'm not sure if I have 10 days or 20 years." Cross Roads House provided William with a stable place to stay while he got back on his feet and continued to receive treatment.

William was always eager to help out around the shelter. He regularly volunteered to clean and even painted one of the small programming spaces. 

Soon, William got a job painting and was able to move into our transitional shelter program. He says his time at Cross Roads House taught him, "Don't take things for granted. Nothing's going to be handed to you, you have to work for it. I knew that before, but I'm more aware of things now."

Last month William moved out of the shelter and into an apartment where he can recuperate from an upcoming surgery. He is very grateful for the services he received here at Cross Roads House. "Cross Roads helped me out in my darkest hour and I am so grateful." 

 
Linens Needed
Our supply is running low

Cross Roads House needs your help in keeping our residents warm through the cold months ahead. Our supply of the following items is running very low and needs to be replenished:

* new or gently used

   twin size blankets 

* new or gently used 

   twin size sheets  

* new or gently used 

   bath towels 


Donations can be dropped off any time at the shelter.
Cross Roads House Residents
get "Rent Ready"

Current resident Erin said the "Rent Ready" course helped to prepare her for moving into her own apartment.

Cross Roads House held its first "Rent Ready" class on September 30th. This full day class for residents focuses on subjects like budgeting, landlord-tenant relationships, being a good neighbor and tenant rights. The course was taught by Director of Programs Sandy Beaudry and Case Manager Jessica Brazeau, and included guest speakers from Northway Bank (to discuss credit repair) and New Hampshire Legal Assistance (to discuss landlord & tenant laws).

 

Erin, a current Cross Roads House resident, found the class very informative. She will be moving into a new apartment shortly and shared the information she learned with her new landlord. "My new landlord was surprised that Cross Roads House offers this kind of thing. He liked that I was taking the course." 

 

The day-long course will be held monthly for up to 12 residents per class. All residents who complete the course and related follow-up case management will receive a "Rent Ready" certificate.

 

Help make our shelter festive

Cross Roads House is looking for help in making the shelter more festive this fall. This is a perfect opportunity for a group! Bring in your own fall decorations (i.e. corn stalks, gourds, pumpkins, mums, etc.) to make our public spaces more cheerful as the leaves drop! Decorations will be displayed through Thanksgiving. 

 

Children's Halloween Party

We are also looking for donations of 25 small pumpkins for pumpkin painting, Halloween candy and other Halloween themed decorations for our Children's Halloween Party. To help us be adequately prepared for our Children's Party, please contact us by October 22nd if you are able to provide assistance. 

 

Please contact JoAnn Rohde at 603-436-2218 ext. 107 or j.rohde@crossroadshouse.org if you are interested in helping. 

 

Volunteer Orientation - October 9, 2014  

 

Interested in volunteering at Cross Roads House?

 

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. 

 
Cross Roads House
600 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Ph  603.436.2218  Fax  603.430.9217
www.crossroadshouse.org