Catholic Charities NH, the state’s largest human services organization, released its 2024 Community Impact Report. Based on program activity and impact data in calendar year 2024, the report highlights key social services trends and pressing needs among Granite State residents, including a rising trend in homelessness among veterans and single mothers, intensifying financial distress in families, and continued food insecurity affecting homebound seniors.

Key highlights from the report include:

• Increased need for financial assistance: As economic pressures escalated and COVID-era benefits waned, the Community Services program continued to see marked annual increases in requests for financial assistance and case management. In 2024, the number of household members across the state receiving support rose by 11% to 8,893, after increasing 45% the previous year. 87% of individuals served live below twice the poverty level, with 85% unable to meet basic needs independently.

  Moreover, the Community Services program assisted 66% more households with rent or emergency shelter assistance than last year, helping families collectively preserve habitable housing for 1,526 days – an 84% year-over-year increase. Overall, a combined 22,508 days of stable housing were maintained through energy/fuel, electricity and shelter assistance for clients.

• More single mothers and children facing homelessness: New Generation, which provides safe shelter and supportive services for single mothers and children facing homelessness, experienced a 26% increase in overall individuals served. 6,115 collective nights of shelter were provided in which a mother and child had a stable, supportive environment. 92% of families who received the program’s stabilization services maintained their permanent housing a year after moving out of New Generation’s shelter, preventing recurrent homelessness.
• Enhanced support for NH veterans: In 2024, Liberty House assisted 23% more New Hampshire veterans facing homelessness, post-traumatic stress, and other life challenges through comprehensive supportive services. The Manchester-based program provided 5,296 collective nights of transitional housing and distributed 50,546 items of food, clothing and other basic needs through its community pantry, serving 29% more veterans compared with the previous year.
• Continued food insecurity among homebound seniors: The CareGivers program delivered nearly 127,000 pounds of food to 420 older adults and disabled individuals in Greater Nashua and Greater Manchester, most living on fixed incomes. 97% of seniors reported improved quality of life, and 92% reported improved affordability of essential items like prescriptions and utilities due to this program. Furthermore, the CareGivers Caring Rides program provided older adults with 3,300 rides to medical appointments, the grocery store, and other vital errands.
• Increased immigration legal support: 2024 also saw a 7% rise in clients served by its Immigration Legal Services, assisting individuals from more than 70 countries. Services included adjustments of status, visas, naturalization, and family reunification, strictly for those eligible under federal law.

“In the past year, over 146,000 New Hampshire residents turned to us in their darkest, most challenging moments,” said Tom Blonski, president and CEO of Catholic Charities NH. “Thanks to the incredible support from our donors and community partners, we’ve been able to enact transformative change for many. However, as highlighted in this report, significant challenges remain. We are committed to ensuring our programs reach deeper into the community and create more substantial impacts throughout New Hampshire.”

To learn more about Catholic Charities NH’s impact and access the full 2024 Community Impact Report, visit cc-nh.org/impact.