LISTEN’s mission is to provide services and support to meet the critical needs of Upper Valley individuals and families.

Dear Friends,

Every day, LISTEN Community Services supports the critical needs of Upper Valley individuals and families. This has been our strength for over 50 years now. We are helping a record number of community members today, including 6,828 people in 2023.

The reality is there is no pause button for our neighbors in the Upper Valley who are in crisis. Requests to LISTEN for help with food, housing and utility assistance have increased by more than 50% this year.

Rising costs of living, illness, or temporary emergencies have left more and more of our neighbors struggling to put food on the table, pay for their medication, and ensure their furnace will be in working order. Despite having two and even three jobs, many are unable to make ends meet.

As winter quickly approaches, the change in seasons comes with additional anxiety for many people who are living paycheck to paycheck with little or no safety net. They now face the impossible choices of purchasing groceries or heating their homes.

During this season of giving, will you join us in helping your neighbors? Your donation means that we are turning your compassion into action and mobilizing multiple resources for those struggling to make ends meet. 100% of your gift will help your Upper Valley neighbors to move forward, rebuild, and thrive.

We are grateful for our community. We are grateful for you. Your kindness makes a difference every day.

Sincerely,

“The LISTEN Food Pantry has kept food on our table. The fresh produce helps so much. Our finances are such that without this assistance, we could not pay our mortgage and save our home. I don’t know what people would do without you. Thank you. LISTEN is a lifesaver. ” – Robin

Food Assistance

When Jerry, a single father with two children, reached out for help for the first time, LISTEN was there. His rent was due, his car battery had just died, and he needed groceries too. “My family will eat this week. Thank you.”

It has been another record-breaking year as the increased price of food means that more people are turning to LISTEN for groceries. Visits to LISTEN’s food pantry have more than doubled in the past two years, with 11,033 total visits in 2023. LISTEN is also serving 100 free dinners a night now at our community dinner hall in White River Junction.

Heating Assistance

When Pamela, a senior with chronic health conditions, needed a heating fuel delivery to get through a cold snap, LISTEN was there. While she waited for her State fuel assistance application to be approved, we ensured her propane tank was full.

For Upper Valley neighbors unable to pay their heating fuel bills, especially the elderly and those with young children, a lack of heat can be life threatening. LISTEN’s Heating Helpers program is a critical part of our community’s safety net to keep your neighbors warm during the coldest months.

Housing Assistance

When Sarah needed help escaping an abusive relationship, LISTEN was there. We covered her rent and electricity for one month so that Sarah could leave immediately and have stable, safe housing while she awaited her next paycheck.

While the housing crisis in the Upper Valley continues, LISTEN is focused on preventing your neighbors from falling into financial crisis and homelessness. Service coordinators provide 1-to-1 support to help individuals and families navigate their situation and connect them to resources that help them to stay in their homes.

$50

provides a week of groceries from LISTEN’s pantry for two seniors facing hunger

$100

provides scholarship assistance for a local child to thrive at summer camp

$250

provides a hot entree for 100 dinner guests at the community dinner hall

$1,000

provides a summer camp scholarship for four local children

$2,500

helps prevent eviction for five families facing financial hardship