New Generation, a program of Catholic Charities NH, has been awarded a $50,000 grant from The M&T Charitable Foundation, the charitable division of M&T Bank. This funding will support New Generation’s ongoing efforts to combat homelessness among mothers and children throughout New Hampshire.

The grant will enable New Generation to extend its shelter and support services as more local families experience homelessness due to the lack of affordable housing combined with challenges such as domestic violence, financial hardship, substance misuse and mental health issues. Demand for the program’s safe shelter and transitional living has risen by nearly 10 percent in the past year.

“We are incredibly appreciative of the M&T Charitable Foundation for their commitment to enhancing community life in New Hampshire,” said Elsy Cipriani, executive director of New Generation. “This grant will significantly enhance our capacity to help families escape homelessness, connect mothers with stable jobs, and foster safer environments for children in our community.”

The grant is part of the second round of giving through the Amplify Fund, which provides more than $8.2 million to 68 lead nonprofit organizations throughout New England, Long Island, and Rockland County, NY. Launched in May 2022 following the merger of People’s United Bank with M&T Bank, the $25 million Amplify Fund is a one-time initiative by the M&T Charitable Foundation aimed at bolstering the communities previously served by People’s United.

“Through the Amplify Fund, we are committed to continuing our partnership with organizations like New Generation that work hand-in-hand with community members in the field to provide the critical resources and programming necessary to truly make a difference,” said Dominique Goss, Executive Director of the M&T Charitable Foundation.

For more than 37 years, New Generation has empowered women to become nurturing, self-sufficient mothers and to establish safe, stable households for their families. Last year, New Generation supported 52 mothers and 85 children, providing over 7,400 collective nights of safe shelter. Notably, 88% of families utilizing New Generation’s stabilization services have maintained their permanent housing for more than a year, significantly reducing the risk of recurrent homelessness.