Housing Helpers
With housing assistance, we can prevent our Upper Valley neighbors from falling into financial crisis and homelessness by helping them to stay in their homes.
Every day, community members across the Upper Valley come to LISTEN needing help due to the rising cost of living, especially housing. With many people stretched to pay for transportation, utilities, and childcare, just one unexpected bill like a car repair or medical emergency means they now find themselves in crisis and facing eviction from their home. If you cannot afford to stay in your home, LISTEN’s service coordinators will meet with you to determine your eligibility for the Housing Helpers program. Services include one-on-one support to help navigate a housing crisis and connecting you to community resources such as legal aid. In addition, LISTEN may also be able to help with a grant of up to $500 in cases where this can help recipients stay in their homes. This is a one-time grant available only once every five years to area residents.
Do you need help getting back on your feet after a job loss or getting into a new home?
LISTEN provides small grants for housing and rental assistance. You can access this service every five years. To make an appointment, call
(603) 448-4553.
Upper Valley areas that are eligible for housing assistance.
New Hampshire
Canaan, Dorchester, Enfield, Grafton, Grantham, Hanover/Etna, Lebanon/West Lebanon, Lyme/Lyme Center, Meriden/Plainfield, Orange, Orford, Springfield
Vermont
Barnard,
Bethel,
Fairlee/West Fairlee,
Hartford/West Hartford,
Hartland/North Hartland,
Norwich,
Pomfret,
Post Mills,
Quechee,
Royalton/South Royalton,
Sharon,
Strafford/South Strafford,
Thetford/East Thetford,
White River Junction,
Wilder,
Woodstock/South Woodstock
LISTEN COMMUNITY SERVICES
How we provide housing assistance in the Upper Valley
Sometimes circumstances mean that it is a daunting task to come up with a security deposit, mortgage payment, or rent. LISTEN’s Housing Helpers program provides grants to prevent our neighbors from falling into financial crisis and homelessness.
Housing Helpers also supports local residents’ self-sufficiency by relieving financial pressure brought on by an emergency situation. As a result, clients report improved physical safety and mental well-being, and a stronger sense of connectedness with their family and community.
For Upper Valley families with children, a sudden change of housing can negatively impact these students’ academic progress. Many lose valuable time at school in the transition and they may need to enroll in a different school, both of which can affect their ability to stay on track with their studies.
When Sonya, who lives modestly on her monthly Social Security payment, shared that she could not afford her diabetes medication and her upcoming rent, LISTEN was there. We wrote a grant and accessed resources recently allocated by the State of New Hampshire to help those who have lost income due to the pandemic. This assistance meant Sonya was able to stay in her home and focus on her health care.
How can I help community members to stay in their homes?
This program is made possible because of the generosity of people like you. A financial gift to LISTEN will ensure we have funding to help our Upper Valley neighbors who need housing assistance. When clients come to LISTEN, we offer them assistance on a first-come, first-served basis. Sometimes we run out of funds to provide them with adequate grants before the end of our fiscal year in June. You can donate online or send a check to LISTEN’s office at 60 Hanover Street in Lebanon. Please note any restriction for housing assistance.
Housing Helpers Frequently Asked Questions
Request more information about meeting with a Service Coordinator
Call (603)448-4553 or fill out the form below*
*This form is for inquiring about our services. We will be in touch with you once the form is received to set up an appointment.
