Latest News - January 2022

LOOKING AHEAD IN 2022

The ongoing pandemic creates a great deal of uncertainty, but there is one thing we know for sure: we need more housing.
 
As you can see from NH Housing’s December 2021 Housing Market Snapshot, we have underbuilt significantly over the past decade. We need about 20,000 new housing units statewide in order to stabilize the housing market.
 
Our new 2022-24 Strategic Plan details what LRCD plans to do to address the housing affordability crisis here in the Lakes Region. We are also excited to employ new tools in our efforts to empower our residents to achieve economic security.
 
Thank you for supporting our work. We can’t do it without you!

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RENOVATIONS BEGIN

Construction began January 3rd on the $5.4 million project to renovate the 25-unit Deer Run apartment complex at 62 Pleasant Street in Meredith, NH. Construction is scheduled to last 12 months. Upon completion, the property name will change to Harvey Heights.

Planned improvements include interior renovations to all apartments, the addition of a sprinkler system for life safety, and a multitude of energy efficiency improvements, including new windows, doors, insulation, and siding. The goal of the project is to ensure the units have good indoor air quality and are energy efficient, which is good for the tenants, the community, and the environment. The project also includes improvements to the grounds.
 
The property will remain occupied throughout construction. Blocks of four apartments will be vacated on a rolling basis to complete the interior renovations.
 
Funders that made this project possible include Raymond James Tax Credit Fund, New Hampshire Housing, New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture – Rural Development, Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, NeighborWorks America, and Rural LISC. Construction financing is provided by Franklin Savings Bank. Permanent financing is provided by NeighborWorks Capital and USDA – Rural Development. North Branch Construction is the construction manager. Stewart Associates Architects and Northpoint Engineering comprise the design team.

Click here for press release.

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NORTHFIELD PROJECT UPDATE

On January 3, the Northfield Planning Board did the right thing and voted not to move forward with a proposed amendment to the town’s zoning ordinance that would have stopped our proposed 66-unit housing development on Route 140. We can now begin the process of seeking planning approvals for our project.
 
We have submitted our application for a special exception, which is the first step in the process. We are on the agenda for the January 24th Zoning Board meeting.

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FUNDER HIGHLIGHT

As we begin a new year we are grateful for the generous support we have received. Below we have highlighted a few funders who are supporting our work and programs in 2022.

• The Dobles Foundation has provided $25,000 to help support our Real Estate Development and Resident Services Programs.
  
  
• Bank of New Hampshire granted us $5,000 to construct a community garden at Ames Brook Apartments in Ashland.This garden will help us combat food insecurity, further build community engagement, and offer fresh healthy choices to residents.
  
  
• NH Electrical Co-op awarded LRCD $3,000 to support our Housing Stability Program. The Housing Stability Program helps very low-income families overcome barriers to stable housing and economic security.

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TAKE THE WHEEL FEATURE

Take the Wheel NH was featured on the NeighborWorks America blog.

Jose Martinez's 30 minute commute to work includes a long hill – one that he typically travelled by foot or on his bike through all types of weather. "Sometimes it would be too hot," he says. "Sometimes it would be cold." Occasionally, he became light-headed.
 
At 64 years of age Martinez, who lives in Laconia, New Hampshire, was advised by his doctor that for his health and wellbeing, he should probably get a car and stop walking and biking through the New Hampshire winter, where January temperatures can be 12. Now, Martinez, a molding press operator, is the proud owner of a Honda Civic, thanks to his participation Take the Wheel NH, a program of Lakes Region Community Developers (LRCD), a NeighborWorks network organization.
 
LRCD got the idea for the program after analyzing a survey put out to their 366 households. "We were trying to see what people needed most," says Caitlin Meaney, resource development director. "Reliable transportation" topped the list. In rural New Hampshire, as in many rural places, "there is just no such thing as public transportation," Meaney shares. And cab services are too pricey for low- to moderate-income residents. 

Check out the full article by clicking here.

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GREEN TIP - ENVIRONMENTAL WELLNESS

As a NeighborWorks America Green Designated Organization we have incorporated green  practices across all lines of business. As an organization it is important to us that we remain steadfast stewards of our precious resources and inspire our neighbors to see the value and ease of incorporating green practices into their lives. We hope you enjoy our monthly Green Tip. 

How healthy is the space around you, and how well do you feel within it? Environmental wellness focuses on building an environment around you that is sustainable and life-giving. Some examples of environmental wellness might include things like creating organized spaces, reducing clutter, improving air quality, gardening, or making efforts to reduce your carbon footprint.

Some things you can do to improve your Environmental Wellness are:

• Find one space in your home to de-clutter. Breaking overwhelming tasks down into small chunks makes us way more like to accomplish our goals. Try focusing on one drawer, one cabinet, or one closet;
  
  
• Donate your used clothes, toys, and homegoods. Your used clothing, toys, and homegoods can be turned into the programs your community depends on. Donating your belongings to places like Salvation Army and St. Vincent De Paul ensure that families in your community have access to food,clothing, and emergency financial assistance. It also helps keep these things from polluting our world!;
  
  
• Make your own cleaning products. Here are some recipes for DIY Household Cleaners:
  https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a24885/make-at-home-cleaners/; and
  
  
• Switch to reusable bags.Did you know it takes 1,000 years for a plastic bag to degrade in a landfill? Plastic virtually never goes away! Tryusing canvas totes, reusable shopping bags, or just reusing the plastic bags you have! For more tips on caring for theenvironment, check out this link: https://www.ecofriendlyhabits.com/how-to-be-eco-friendly/