Volunteers for Nashua Overnight Warming Stations

Nashua, NH – The City of Nashua is calling on volunteers to help support the newly established Overnight Warming Station, aimed at preventing injury and loss of life during cold winter months for individuals experiencing unstable housing and homelessness. The warming station will be located in the Elm Street Middle School cafeteria at 117 Elm Street, Nashua, NH, and will operate nightly from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM, beginning January 2024 through March 2024.

United Way of Greater Nashua is leading the volunteer recruitment effort and is seeking compassionate individuals to help make the warming station a success. Volunteers will assist with a variety of tasks, including monitoring guest belongings, overseeing supply inventory, preparing refreshments, and facilitating activities for guests.

Training and Volunteer Information:

• Training Date: January 3, 2024
• Volunteer Shifts: Two-hour blocks between 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM; volunteers are encouraged to take two adjacent shifts but are not required to do so.
• Commitment: Weekly volunteer opportunities from January through March.

Interested individuals can sign up or learn more by visiting https://tinyurl.com/StayWarmVolunteer

Why Volunteer?:
Volunteering at the Overnight Warming Station offers the rewarding opportunity to directly support individuals experiencing homelessness. Volunteers will be making a tangible difference by providing a warm, safe environment during the coldest months of the year and playing a key role in ensuring no one is left out in the cold. Volunteers can feel proud to be part of a community-driven solution that shows compassion and kindness to our neighbors in need.

Homelessness in New Hampshire:

Recent reports indicate a concerning rise in homelessness within the state:

• 52% Increase: The total number of individuals experiencing homelessness in New Hampshire rose from 1,605 in 2022 to 2,441 in 2023, marking a 52% increase—the highest percentage increase among all U.S. states.
• Family Homelessness: The number of families experiencing homelessness increased by nearly 50% between 2022 and 2023.
• Youth Homelessness: There was an almost 40% rise in the number of youths experiencing homelessness during the same period.
• Chronic Homelessness: Individuals experiencing chronic homelessness increased by 51.8% between 2022 and 2023, and by 150% since 2019.

These statistics highlight the critical need for community efforts like the Overnight Warming Station to provide immediate relief and support to vulnerable populations during the winter months.

The Risks of Cold Weather for People Experiencing Homelessness:

Exposure to cold temperatures presents severe health risks for individuals experiencing homelessness. Without proper shelter or clothing, people can suffer from:

• Hypothermia: Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can lower body temperature to dangerously low levels, causing confusion, dizziness, exhaustion, and in extreme cases, death.
• Frostbite: Cold temperatures can cause frostbite, which is the freezing of body parts, often the fingers, toes, and ears. This can lead to permanent damage or loss of limbs if left untreated.
• Increased Risk of Illnesses: Cold weather can exacerbate existing health conditions such as asthma, respiratory infections, and heart disease.
• Lack of Sleep: Individuals forced to remain outside without shelter often struggle to get adequate rest, which can weaken the immune system and impair decision-making.

By providing a safe, warm place for individuals to seek refuge, the Overnight Warming Station in Nashua aims to mitigate these risks and protect those in need from the dangers of extreme cold weather.

Causes of Homelessness in New Hampshire:

Homelessness is caused by a complex combination of factors, including:

• Lack of Affordable Housing: As housing costs continue to rise, many individuals and families are unable to find or maintain stable housing.
• Job Loss and Poverty: Sudden job loss or insufficient wages to cover basic living expenses can lead to financial instability and homelessness.
• Health Issues: Physical or mental health problems, including substance use disorders, can contribute to homelessness, as individuals may struggle to maintain employment or access necessary care.
• Domestic Violence: Many individuals, especially women and children, experience homelessness as a result of escaping abusive relationships.
• Family Breakdown: Lack of support systems, strained relationships, or familial abuse can leave individuals vulnerable to homelessness.
• Evictions and Foreclosures: As the cost of living increases and tenants face rising rent prices, some individuals and families are at risk of eviction or foreclosure.

Addressing homelessness requires a multifaceted approach, including the provision of shelter, affordable housing, and supportive services to help individuals overcome these challenges and rebuild their lives.

About the City of Nashua:

The City of Nashua is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its residents. Through collaborative efforts and community partnerships, Nashua strives to address and mitigate the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness.

About United Way of Greater Nashua:

United Way of Greater Nashua mobilizes the caring power of communities to advance the common good. By partnering with local organizations and volunteers, they work to create lasting changes in community conditions that improve lives.

For more information, contact United Way of Greater Nashua at info@unitedwaynashua.org or (603)882-4011.

United Way of Greater Nashua is an independent 510(c)3 nonprofit founded in 1929 to serve the residents of Greater Nashua. Its mission is to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. United Way of Greater Nashua has received GuideStar and Charity Navigator’s top ratings for accountability, transparency, and financial management. For more information or to get involved as a donor or volunteer, please email United Way of Greater Nashua at, info@unitedwaynashua.org or visit their website at www.unitedwaynashua.org.