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

From the Executive Director

Together, we meet the moment

Over the past year, LISTEN supported 8,377 neighbors in New Hampshire and Vermont—an increase of more than 900 from the year before, and more than double the number we reached just five years ago. With basic costs soaring and public assistance declining, people are turning to LISTEN for help in record numbers.

As winter approaches, the stakes are higher. For people living paycheck to paycheck, the change in seasons brings the impossible choice of heating their home, paying for rent, or putting food on the table. No one should have to make that decision.

At LISTEN, we respond with care, resourcefulness, and a deep belief in what’s possible when our community comes together. Your generosity turns that care into action—mobilizing food, heating assistance, housing support, and other vital resources to help neighbors rebuild and thrive.

This season of giving, will you meet the moment with us? 100% of your gift stays here in the Upper Valley, ensuring help arrives when and

where it’s needed most.

Thank you for standing with your neighbors and with LISTEN. Together, we can make sure no one faces these challenges alone.

Thank you so much for getting my heat turned back on. I was out of work for a bit with bills piling up. You saved me and my kids, and we will pass your kindness forward. - Emily

Food Assistance

“The fridge was empty.”

Charles left his job this year to care full-time for his wife, who is living with dementia. Living on a fixed income, they now rely on LISTEN’s Community Dining Hall for a few meals each week. “Bills are tight. This helps makes it possible to meet our health care costs.”

LISTEN responds with two open doors: our Community Dining Hall in White River Junction, serving free lunches and dinners on weekdays, and our Food Pantry in Lebanon, where anyone in the region can pick up groceries once a week.

In 2026, more than 5,000 local families will rely on LISTEN’s Food Pantry, and 1,000 meals will be served each week in our Dining Hall, with the need increasing

as local food programs are cut.

Hunger is closer than we think:

1 in 8 Upper Valley

neighbors faces hunger

each day.

Heating Assistance

“Our electricity was shut off.”

When Evelyn reached out, the nights were already dipping below freezing. With a grant from LISTEN, her family no longer worries about their pipes bursting. “We don’t have to be scared now. Thank you to everyone who made this happen.”

For neighbors facing rising energy costs—especially seniors and families with children—losing heat or air conditioning can be life-threatening. LISTEN’s utility assistance is a vital safety net, keeping them safe.

In 2026, state and federal heating aid is expected to shrink, even as local demand rises beyond the $212,000 LISTEN provided in grants last year. Your donation today will help to meet this challenge.

20% of people in Vermont and New Hampshire report falling behind on at least one energy bill in the last 12 months.

Housing Assistance

“We’ll be homeless soon.”

When a rent increase forced single mom Jordan and her children to leave their home, they feared ending up in their car. With help from our Service Coordinator, they found a safe, affordable place to

live. “We are so grateful.”

LISTEN helps neighbors avoid eviction and homelessness. Our staff provides one-on-one support, guiding individuals and families

through challenges and connecting them with resources to secure housing.

In 2026, the Upper Valley’s tight housing market will continue to leave many neighbors without affordable options. LISTEN expects to provide more than $220,000 in housing assistance to help families facing financial hardship.

There is a shortage of 36,000 affordable and available rental homes

for extremely low-income

renters in VT and NH.

The Upper Valley Needs You

Together, We Can Do More!

These are uncertain times—filled with questions, worries, and what-ifs. That’s where our volunteers come in. They are a lifeline, offering care and connection when it’s needed most. Whether you have an hour or a day to spare, your time makes all the difference. Here’s where you can help:

Food Pantry

Stock shelves, assist visitors, and unload deliveries

Sign up today at listen.volunteerhub.com.

Everyone is welcome — come on your own or

bring family, friends, or colleagues!

Thank you

to all our amazing volunteers in 2025!

1,061 people donated 26,237 hours of

service across our Thrift Stores, Food

Pantry, Dining Hall and more.

Kristi Lenart-Rikert

Executive Director, Sharon, VT

LISTEN’s Board of Directors

Ken Wells, Chair, West Lebanon, NH

April Harkness, Vice Chair, Hartland, VT

Richard Green, Secretary, Hanover, NH

Julie Findley, Treasurer, Lebanon, NH

Lynne Goodwin, Lebanon, NH

Dawnlynn Marston, Croydon, NH

Valerie Nevel, Lebanon, NH

Melissa Robinson, Lebanon, NH