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Lakes Region Community Developers
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Latest News - Jan. 2021

1/26/2021

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Message from Our Executive Director

We are so grateful to you, our funders, donors, partners, and advocates. Thank you for the many forms of support you lent to our mission in 2020.

Thanks to you, we were able to keep all of our 700+ tenants in healthy homes, regardless of their ability to pay rent during this pandemic.

With your help, we created new programs to help tenants overcome barriers to securing reliable transportation and accessing restorative dental care.

Your support enabled us to work on a range of innovative housing and community facility projects that are desperately needed in our community to ensure that everyone in the Lakes Region has a healthy home and is empowered to succeed.

Last year tested our mettle for sure, but more than anything, it illuminated the strength of our community. I cannot begin to fully express the gratitude I feel in my heart today. Every expression of support and every message of encouragement that you collectively gave us last year kept us going through some difficult moments. On behalf of our board, our residents, and our staff, we thank you.

Be safe and be well.
Carmen Lorentz

LRCD Welcomes New Board Members

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Jenna Goss is a single mom to daughter, Olivia (4) and son, Eoin (2).  She enjoys working full-time at Spaulding Academy & Family Services as a Paraprofessional.  Jenna is also in school part-time working towards her certification to become a special education teacher.  Jenna serves as a resident representative on the LRCD Board of Directors.  She states that "living at LRCD's Lochmere Meadows has afforded me the opportunity to pursue a career to make a better future for my children."
Erica Gilbert has lived at LRCD's Harvey Heights Apartments in Meredith for three years with her children.  Erica served as an AmeriCorps member working at Navigating Recovery of the Lakes Region in Laconia, NH. She now works there full-time as a Certified Recovery Support Worker. Erica enjoys being of service and being an active part of her community.
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Lisa Muré is a Senior Consultant/Project Director with JSI Research & Training Institute. Lisa is an established technical expert and leader in the field of systems change, best practice implementation, and community mobilization relative to substance misuse, substance use disorders and behavioral health promotion and service access.  She has worked with a wide range of stakeholders including schools, health care centers, courts, businesses, community organizations, parent support groups, and many others on public, private, and federally supported initiatives with a focus on improving understanding of substance use disorders and increasing access to high quality prevention, treatment and recovery support services. Lisa lives in Holderness.

Businesses Support LRCD with Tax Credit Purchases

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Thank you to Meredith Village Savings Bank, Main Street America Insurance, Resilient Buildings Group, Melcher & Prescott Insurance, and Leone, McDonnell & Roberts PA for supporting LRCD with NH Business Tax Credit purchases!

Our tax credit sales support the continued renovations of 193 Court Street.  In Phase 1, we did all the work we could afford to do to convert the vacant building into our headquarters and the hub of our community building & engagement work in Laconia. These tax credit sales will support Phase 2 which includes: more insulation, new siding on the north and west walls, parking lot improvements, and landscaping.

LRCD MUST SELL $53,000 BY MARCH 31, 2021

If your business pays NH business enterprise or business profits taxes in NH, you can redirect a significant portion of your tax liability to a local project like this. Please contact Carmen at CLorentz@LRcommunitydevelopers.org if you are interested in supporting the 193 Court Street Project.

Race Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (REDI)

In 2020, LRCD began the process of reviewing our policies, practices, and programs to identify changes that we can make to combat systemic racism and promote race equity, diversity, and inclusion. This is an ongoing process of continuous learning and improvement. In this segment of our newsletter, we will provide regular updates on this work.

LRCD Receives NeighborWorks Grant for Translations

LRCD received funds from NeighborWorks America to offer materials to residents in different languages. Our annual community survey and our most recent tenant newsletter were made available in English and Spanish.
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Latest News - December 2020

12/16/2020

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HAPPY & HEALTHY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES FROM ALL OF US AT LRCD!

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LRCD residents helped downtown Laconia get into the Christmas spirit by adding their homemade ornaments to the LRCD tree. LRCD sponsored a tree as part of Celebrate Laconia Lights Festival.

FUNDER SPOTLIGHT - NeighborWorks America

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In these uncertain times, we are extremely grateful for our longstanding partnership with NeighborWorks America. NeighborWorks is a congressionally chartered and funded, nonpartisan, non-profit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives, and strengthen their communities.
 
At the heart of NeighborWorks’ mission is a network of more than 240 of the best housing and community development organizations in the country. LRCD is fortunate to have been part of this network of excellence for nearly 20 years.
 
As a NeighborWorks organization, LRCD receives critical operating and capital funding and has access to peer-exchange learning opportunities, technical assistance, evaluation tools, and training for staff and volunteers. Every year, we use all the tools that NeighborWorks offers to grow and strengthen LRCD so that we can continue to respond to the changing housing and community development needs of the Lakes Region.

The Hodges Companies Supports LRCD

The Hodges Companies purchases $37,000 in NH Business Tax Credits
The Hodges Companies has made a generous pledge to purchase $37,000 of our CDFA tax credits to support the continued renovations to our 193 Court Street building. 

The proceeds of our tax credit sales will help us add more insulation, put new siding on the north and west walls, make parking lot improvements, and add landscaping.

If your business pays NH business enterprise or business profits taxes in NH, you can redirect a significant portion of your tax liability to a local project like this. Please contact Carmen at CLorentz@LRcommunitydevelopers.org if you are interested in supporting the 193 Court Street Project.

Funds Awarded for Gale School

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The Board of Directors of the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) has announced $4.1 million dollars in matching grants awarded to thirty-two projects across the state, including the Gale School project in Belmont.

LRCD has received a $21,000 grant award to support the pre-development work required for the renovations of the historic Gale School.


We are very appreciative of LCHIP’s investment in redeveloping the Gale School” said Carmen Lorentz, LRCD's Executive Director. “The LCHIP award enables us to hire a Historic Consultant, complete civil engineering, and begin architectural work, all crucial items for the redevelopment of this historic building."

LRCD's Gilford Village Knolls III Featured

LRCD is honored to have our Gilford Village Knolls III development featured in the Community Loan Fund's Annual Report. The Fund provided the necessary loan funds for a large rooftop solar array.

To learn more about our work with the Community Loan Fund on GVK III and to see their Annual Report - click here.
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Photo by John W. Hession
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Latest News - November 2020

11/16/2020

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Fall Fun

Residents enjoyed some socially distanced fun fall activities. An outdoor pumpkin carving & painting event took place at Harvey Heights Meredith. Also, trunk or treat events were held at Ames Brook Apartments in Ashland and Lochmere Meadows in Tilton.

Community Building & Engagement

LRCD was recently awarded funds to help expand our Community Building & Engagement Program. Funding was provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), a federal agency with the mission to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. CNCS has awarded Volunteer Generation Fund dollars to Volunteer NH, which then selected nonprofit organizations like LRCD to receive sub-grants to grow volunteer program opportunities that support New Hampshire communities. With this award, LRCD has been able to double the capacity of our Community Building & Engagement (CB&E) program with the recent hiring of a second Resident Services Coordinator.

Experience has shown that the most effective way to accomplish community goals is to engage its community members. Through the CB&E program, we are empowering our residents to work together to find solutions to the problems in their community, such as establish a community watch, hold informational events, or host guest speakers. LRCD is working to give residents the tools necessary, to host community events, and create things to strengthen their communities.

LRCD is grateful for this funding and excited to see the growth of this program, our residents, and our communities.

In Case You Missed It - Ames Brook Virtual Tour

LRCD's rehabilitation of Ames Brook Apartments is complete. This $5 million rehab project has brought Ames Brook  and its 40-units up to our healthy housing standards by improving life safety systems, indoor air quality, accessibility, and energy efficiency.

Please enjoy this four-minute virtual tour of Ames Brook Apartments.

Support LRCD with Tax Credits Purchase

We moved into 193 Court Street, Laconia last summer, but the renovations are not done! Last, year, we did all the work we could afford to do to convert the vacant building into our headquarters and the hub of our community building & engagement work in Laconia. The items still left to do include: more insulation, new siding on the north and west walls, parking lot improvements, and landscaping. If your business pays NH business enterprise or business profits taxes in NH, you can redirect a significant portion of your tax liability to a local project like this. Please contact Carmen at CLorentz@LRcommunitydevelopers.org if you are interested in supporting the 193 Court Street Project.

Green Tip - America Recycles Day

2020 America Recycles Day focuses on individual action by highlighting the actions we can all take to collectively address the challenges facing our nation’s recycling system. It aims to inspire communities and individuals to recognize the economic, environmental, and social benefits of recycling. We urge people to reduce, reuse, re-purpose and recycle in every aspect of their life. To actively choose to live a recycled lifestyle by: 
  1. Recycling at home, work, school and on the go; 
  2. Buying products made with recycled content; and 
  3. Educating and encouraging friends, family, and neighbors to take the to recycle!
Happy America Recycles Day!
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Latest News - October 2020

10/16/2020

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LRCD Provides Masks to Residents

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With a generous grant from NEF Housing Charities, Inc. LRCD was able to purchase and distribute two reusable cloth facemasks to each of our residents. We felt this was  a small way we could help our residents stay healthy.

New Community Building Programs

In addition to building affordable rental housing, we are working to help our community members of modest means overcome other obstacles. Towards this goal we have created two new programs.
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A persistent barrier for our working community members is reliable transportation. Watching hard-working families constantly struggle with transportation inspired us to research other transportation programs that have successfully addressed this need in rural areas to use as a model for a program in NH.
 
Over the two years, we have worked with Franklin Savings Bank, Grappone Automotive Group, and HOMEteam, our financial education partner, to develop a pilot program to address low-income residents’ transportation struggles. The program is called Take the Wheel NH. The objective is to get low-income families into reliable, fuel-efficient vehicles that they can afford.

Participants complete an online financial fitness class and work one-on-one with a financial counselor from HOMEteam. Once the financial education requirements are complete, HOMEteam refers participants to Franklin Savings Bank which has developed a specific lending program for Take the Wheel. Participants are not be penalized for low credit scores and loans will have a fixed low interest rate. Once a participant is approved for a loan, they are referred to Grappone. Grappone has designated a sales team member for this program who will know the program objectives and be informed of each participant’s budget. Cars will be new or certified pre-owned and fit participants family size and budget.

Take the Wheel NH is currently being offered to LRCD residents and employer partners. 

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Our annual Community Wellness Survey showed that 67% of our households don’t have dental insurance, 59% were not able to meet their households dental needs due to cost, and 43% of households need restorative dental care. Seeing a significant need for dental care we started work to create a Dental Assistance Program for our residents.

With funding, from NeighborWorks America, Northeast Delta Dental, and Speare Memorial Hospital - Community Health Grant, we are able to now offer the program to our residents. The Dental Assistance Program creates an annual dental resource guide, executes an annual campaign about NH Medicaid's dental options, and helps residents access the dental care they need by assisting them gain access to dental programs, finding a dentist, and providing financial assistance.

NH Housing Relief Fund

If you know someone struggling to pay their mortgage or rent because of Covid-19, please tell them about the NH Housing Relief Fund, which can provide one-time grants and ongoing assistance to help keep NH families housed.

Support LRCD With Tax Credits Purchase

$185,000 in NH Business Tax Credits Available
We moved into 193 Court Street, Laconia last summer, but the renovations are not done! Last, year, we did all the work we could afford to do to convert the vacant building into our headquarters and the hub of our community building & engagement work in Laconia. The items still left to do include: more insulation, new siding on the north and west walls, parking lot improvements, and landscaping. If your business pays NH business enterprise or business profits taxes in NH, you can redirect a significant portion of your tax liability to a local project like this. Please contact Carmen at CLorentz@LRcommunitydevelopers.org if you are interested in supporting the 193 Court Street Project.

Green Tip - 120 Degrees Fahrenheit

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Many water heaters default to 140-degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius), but temps that high pose not only high energy costs but scalding risks to your family. Most water heaters operate just as efficiently at 120-degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius), and the lower temperature could also help increase the lifespan of your water heater.

For every 10 degrees you lower the water temperature, you can save between 3 and 5 percent on your water heater costs. Additionally, wrapping an insulating blanket around your water heater will help save energy this winter, possibly as much as 4 to 9 percent in water heating costs. Find them in your local hardware store.
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Latest News - September 2020

9/15/2020

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Rep. Pappas Visits Compass House

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On Thursday, September 3rd, Congressman Chris Pappas paid a visit to Compass House in Laconia. Horizons Counseling Center, Navigating Recovery of the Lakes Region, and Lakes Region Community Developers were all on hand to welcome him to the eight-bed group home for women in recovery. LRCD developed Compass House last year. It opened in mid-February, shortly before Covid-19 shut things down. Since opening, there have consistently been between five and seven guests staying at Compass House, which is operated by Horizons with recovery supports provided by Navigating Recovery.
 
One Compass House guest, Mariah, was kind enough to share her story with Congressman Pappas, underscoring the importance of supportive housing for women in recovery. Mariah started on her recovery journey this summer. She said that treatment and the supports she gets at Compass House have been critical to her recovery thus far. She said, “I don’t want to be the person I was, and now I am so excited for the future.”

Funders Support LRCD Residents

We are grateful to our partners and funders that have helped build our Emergency Rental Assistance Fund with new grants or by allowing flexible use of previously granted funds. NeighborWorks America, Dobles Foundation, Linden Family Foundation, Northeast Delta Dental, The Hodges Companies, and Eversource Energy have helped us ensure that our residents continue to have a stable healthy home during these uncertain times.

LRCD Welcomes Skylor Beery

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LRCD is excited to introduce you to Skylor Beery, our second Resident Services Coordinator. Skylor and Kristy Pearce will work together as Resident Services Coordinators to serve our 700+ residents, as well as expand our Community Building & Engagement Program.

Skylor is originally from Kansas and moved to Laconia over two years ago. Since moving to the region Skylor has become an active community member, she is the President of The Lakes Region Young Professionals network, a board member for Stand Up Laconia and Neighbors In Need. She is also a part of Leadership Lakes Region Class of 2020. Skylor has spent the last 5 years working with survivors of domestic and sexual violence, helping them heal, move forward, access the services they need.

We are thrilled to have Skylor on staff and be able to increase the capacity of our Resident Services and Community Building programs.

NH Housing Relief Fund

If you know someone struggling to pay their mortgage or rent because of Covid-19, please tell them about the NH Housing Relief Fund, which can provide one-time grants and ongoing assistance to help keep NH families housed.

Support LRCD With Tax Credits Purchase

$185,000 in NH Business Tax Credits Available

We moved into 193 Court Street, Laconia last summer, but the renovations are not done! Last, year, we did all the work we could afford to do to convert the vacant building into our headquarters and the hub of our community building & engagement work in Laconia. The items still left to do include: more insulation, new siding on the north and west walls, parking lot improvements, and landscaping. If your business pays NH business enterprise or business profits taxes in NH, you can redirect a significant portion of your tax liability to a local project like this. Please contact Carmen at CLorentz@LRcommunitydevelopers.org if you are interested in supporting the 193 Court Street Project.

Green Tip - Check Your Tires

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Cooler temps can lower your tire pressure. Under-inflated tires reduce your car's fuel efficiency. It takes just a few minutes to inflate your tires to the proper pressure and it's worth it!
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193 Court Street, Laconia, NH 03246   •   603.524.0747
© 2019 Lakes Region Community Developers

  • HOME
  • FIND A HOME
    • Rental Opportunities
    • Home Buyer Education
  • ABOUT US
    • Current & Recent Projects
    • Plans & Reports
    • Housing & Economy Snapshot
    • Leadership
    • Take the Wheel NH
  • CONTACT US
  • RESIDENT RESOURCES
    • Resident Services >
      • Resident Handbook
    • Rental Assistance Resources
    • Adult Dental Resources
    • Take the Wheel NH
  • LATEST NEWS
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