Governor Ayotte Proclaims NeighborWorks WeekAs one of four chartered members of NeighborWorks America in New Hampshire, we are grateful to Governor Ayotte for officially recognizing the important work that NeighborWorks organizations do to address our state’s housing needs. In 2024, the four NH NeighborWorks organizations collectively:
Update on Jameson StreetInterior work is in full-swing at Jameson Street Apartments, and we are on track to complete the project this fall. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our fundraiser last week for the landscaping needed to make this house a home. In case you missed it – we still need $3,555 to finish up the landscaping project. You can donate here Millview Makeover UnderwayMillview Apartments is getting some much-needed TLC. New roofs are finished and new siding is now being installed. We will install rooftop solar on the south-facing buildings. These improvements are funded by a Community Development Block Grant from the City of Laconia and NH Community Development Finance Authority, as well as a grant from the NH Department of Energy. Neighborhood Clean-up DaysResidents at Lochmere Meadows in Tilton and River’s Edge Apartments in Laconia did some spring cleaning outdoors to make the grounds of their apartment communities more enjoyable for everyone. Both groups did a great job! Naming LRCD the Beneficiary of a Donor-Advised FundSome donors have created donor-advised funds (DAFs) to manage their charitable giving. Donors have the ability to tell their DAF sponsor now where to distribute the assets in their donor-advised funds if funds remain after the end of their lives.
If you’d like safe, affordable, healthy housing for all to be part of your legacy, please consider including LRCD as a beneficiary of your DAF. Our legal name is Laconia Area Community Land Trust, Inc. dba Lakes Region Community Developers and our Tax ID # is 02-0426348. CONCORD – Governor Kelly Ayotte recently issued a proclamation declaring June 7 – 14 as NeighborWorks Week in the State of New Hampshire, and encouraging “all citizens to recognize and support the vital work being done by NeighborWorks organizations to build stronger, more resilient communities.” The full text of the proclamation can be found online at governor.nh.gov. Chartered by Congress in 1978, NeighborWorks America is a network of nearly 250 non-profit organizations across the country who receive support from NeighborWorks America through grants, training and partnerships that create affordable housing and promote community well-being. Every year, during NeighborWork Week, the network celebrates their collective impact. The theme this year is “Creating Homes, Building America,” which reflects the significant impact that NeighborWorks America has on the nation’s housing affordability crisis. There are four NeighborWorks organizations in New Hampshire: AHEAD in the North Country, CATCH Neighborhood Housing in Merrimack County, Lakes Region Community Developers, and NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire. In 2024, the four organizations collectively invested over $67 million in affordable housing in New Hampshire, owned and operated 2,246 affordable rental homes, created 202 new affordable rental homes, and provided 1,027 people with first-time homebuyer education and financial counseling. “We are so happy that Governor Ayotte chose to celebrate NeighborWorks Week with us by issuing this proclamation,” said Carmen Lorentz, executive director of Lakes Region Community Developers. “It helps build awareness of the work we do every day to create affordable housing opportunities in our communities.” Nation-wide in 2024, NeighborWorks America and its network delivered:
NeighborWorks America is a congressionally chartered and funded organization that brings national resources to local communities. For every $1 of NeighborWorks’ congressional appropriation, $71 are leveraged and invested in housing and community development projects across the country. Lakes Region Community Developers (LRCD) has been a chartered member of NeighborWorks America since 2000. LRCD’s rental portfolio of 366 affordable apartments provides healthy, affordable housing to over 750 people each year. In 2025, LRCD is adding 15 units of supportive housing in Laconia; plans to begin construction on 30 affordable apartments in Wolfeboro; plans to begin construction on the redevelopment of the Gale School in Belmont for childcare and family supports; will invest over $1.2 million to improve its existing rental portfolio in Laconia and Meredith; and will continue pre-development work on a project that will deliver 80 affordable homes in Ashland. To learn more about Lakes Region Community Developers and/or its leadership team, visit LRcommunitydevelopers.org. Photo caption:
From left to right: Tom Furtado, CATCH Neighborhood Housing; Robert Tourigny, NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire, Governor Kelly Ayotte; Carmen Lorentz, Lakes Region Community Developers; and Harrison Kanzler, AHEAD. ### In Laconia, something powerful is happening behind the quiet doors of 11 Jameson Street. This formerly single-family house is being transformed into three permanent supportive apartments for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities — individuals who are ready to live independently, but who, until now, have had few options beyond living with parents, entering foster care, or being placed in a 24/7 facility. Thanks to a partnership between LRCD and Lakes Region Community Services, Jameson Street Apartments will be the first of its kind in the Lakes Region — a model for what inclusive, independent living can look like in our community. Construction is nearly complete inside. But the outside? It still needs help. Announcing the 2025 NH GIVES DAY Fundraising Campaign for LRCDWhat’s Still Needed Due to escalating construction costs, the final renovation budget didn’t include any landscaping or outdoor work. That’s where our community comes in.We’re launching a one-day fundraising campaign on NH Gives Day to raise $12,400 for:
Three Ways You Can Help Learn more about the project here. Save the DateNH Gives Day is coming soon — June 10-11. We’ll be sharing the full story behind Jameson Street, the impact of each donation tier, and how you can help us cross the finish line. Stay tuned. Together, we can create a home that reflects the dignity, independence, and potential of the people who will live there. Partner with us to CREATE A CHALLENGEWe're inviting our loyal supporters to take early action and help us build momentum before the giving day begins. Right now, we are looking for donors interested in providing a challenge match to encourage even more community participation on NH Gives Day. If you’re able to commit a match amount (big or small), it will be used to double the impact of donations during our 24-hour campaign. This is one of the most effective ways to inspire giving — and a powerful step you can take today. To provide a match gift, contact Carmen Lorentz at [email protected] (603) 524-0747 x110 HELP US TURN THISINTO THIS...Realtor Give Back DayOn April 24th, Volunteers from the Lakes Region Board of Realtors spent a day helping us spruce up two duplexes at 365 & 371 South Main Street in Laconia. Volunteers raked up leaves, picked up litter, painted exterior trim, and painted interior walls in common areas. This was a great way for these local realtors and partners to give back to the Laconia community. We are so grateful for their volunteer service! Pictured above from left to right: Jane Jordan, Megan Colby, Crystal Bullerwell, Angela Smith, Wendy Bagley, Lori Borrin, Eric Petel, Travis Cole, Kelly Beebee, Scott Knowles, Paula Finigan, Emily Mulcahy, Bob Rafferty, Caitlin Meaney. Not pictured: Libby Talbot BNH Donates Furniture for Bay StreetAs part of their recent move into their new building, Bank of New Hampshire generously gifted us some beautiful office furniture that they no longer needed. This enabled us to fully furnish the tenant lounge at Bay Street Apartments, providing a comfortable place for tenants to socialize or enjoy a change of scene from their small efficiency apartments. Pictured above from left to right: Carmen Lorentz of LRCD; Tiffany Baert, VP – Marketing Officer, Bank of New Hampshire; and Senia LaForte of Lakes Region Mental Health Center in the fully furnished tenant lounge at Bay Street Apartments. NH Needs More Housing for Renters with Extremely Low IncomeAccording to The Gap, New Hampshire has 40,683 renter households with extremely low income. For every 100 of these households, there are only 39 apartments affordable to them. And 68% of renter households with extremely low income in NH spend more than 50% of their monthly income on rent and utilities, meaning they are severely housing cost-burdened. The lack of housing affordable to people with extremely low income is the primary driver of increasing homelessness. Legacy Giving |