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Serving Rockingham, Strafford

&  Southern York Counties

 



March 2016

Homelessness is not just a seasonal issue.

Our Emergency Shelter Program was

over capacity 80% of last year.

 
Quick Links



 
You can reach us at 
603-436-2218


FAQ 
 

Immediate Needs
 
Gas gift cards
 
Nail Clippers
Baby wipes

Cough drops

Tissues

 
  
Pantry Needs
 
Pasta sauce
 
Coffee
 
Sugar
 
Baking mixes (cakes, brownies, etc.)
 
Snack packs (chips, granola bars, crackers, etc.)
"I was completely broken down when I got here."
                             
Jen and her three children moved into their new home last month.
 
When the house Jen was renting was sold, she could not find another affordable place for her family to live. "I ended up staying in a hotel with my kids. I lost my job. All my savings went into paying for hotels. It was about a month [in a hotel] before I got in here."
 
Jen arrived at Cross Roads House nearly a year ago. "My life was really bad when I got here. I literally came here with just a shopping bag of items for me and my kids. So then I had to figure out how to get a job. I had to figure out how I was going to find a place to live. Those were my biggest challenges."
 
Two of Jen's three children had special needs and did not stay with her during her time at Cross Roads House. "I came here with all my kids and I had to send my boys to Spring Harbor Hospital and that was really hard." Jen says that her Case Manager, Theresa, was a great help during this very difficult time. "She was a huge emotional support for me during that time. I was completely broken down when I got here."
 
Theresa helped to connect Jen with community resources and worked with her on budgeting and time management. "She helped me find different resources. I got some help with my mental health. That was huge. I ended up not going in a downward spiral. We worked on filling out tons of housing applications. She helped me get a planner so I could manage my time and I could get a job, do what I needed to do with the kids, look for housing, and get stuff done."
 
After approximately one year on the public housing waiting list, Jen finally got notification that an apartment had become available. Last month, she moved out of the shelter, and into her new home. All three of her children will be living with her. Jen is looking forward to spending time with her family all together under one roof. "I'm just so grateful for everything."
14th Annual Benefit by the Sea
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE
Saturday, May 7, 2016 


Sponsorships are still available for our 14th Annual Benefit by the Sea gala event on Saturday, May 7th at 6:00 pm at the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel. The event includes a cocktail hour, formal dinner, dancing and live music by the Center Stage band, and an opportunity to make a pledge of support for Cross Roads House. Dress is black tie optional.
  
Cross Roads House relies on private philanthropy for three quarters of its annual operating budget. The Benefit by the Sea event is a vital part of securing the necessary funds to continue providing shelter and life changing services for the homeless in our community.

For more information about tickets or sponsorships, contact Jessica Parker at (603) 436-2218 ext. 112 or j.parker@crossroadshouse.org.

Click here to confirm your sponsorship online.

Volunteer Orientation - March 10, 2016 

Interested in volunteering at Cross Roads House?

Volunteers (left to right) Nellie Dinger, Sharmila Patel, and RJ Lincoln

 

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, March 10th, or Thursday, April 14th, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the shelter. 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! 
 
Thank you and congratulations to the winners of the eighth annual Pease 'n Carrots food drive. Pictured from left to right are Christine Hiney from Sprague Energy, winner of the "My Cup Runneth Over" Challenge Cup, Mark Sullivan, Pease 'n Carrots founder and director, and Jess Hutter of Loftware, repeat winner of the "Most Improved Award" for the largest increase from its total raised last year.

Thank you to Jim Carter, who plays Carson the Butler on Downton Abbey, Linda Cruse, and Lesley Smith, ventriloquist, entertainer and singer/songwriter, for performing a private show for our residents last month, and for designating a portion of proceeds from tickets to their show at the Music Hall to Cross Roads House. Pictured above is Jim Carter, performing a magic trick. Photo by Ioanna Raptis/Seacoastonline.

Thank you to Portsmouth Rotary Club for donating $500 and lots of peanut butter for our residents. Pictured left to right are Cathy Nickerson, Martha Stone, Bob Lewis, and Ramona Dow.

Thank you to the anonymous donor who provided new, embroidered fleece vests for all of our staff and interns.
Cross Roads House
600 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Ph  603.436.2218  Fax  603.430.9217
www.crossroadshouse.org