Poverty & Financial Hardship
Creating Stability & Self-Sufficiency for Those Struggling
Poverty & Financial Hardship
Creating Stability & Self-Sufficiency for Those Struggling
For the hundreds of NH neighbors overwhelmed by poverty or lacking adequate resources, every day is a struggle – whether it’s a family of five unsure how much longer they’ll have a roof over their heads, someone unable to afford enough food for the week ahead, or children who can’t do homework because their apartment’s electricity was turned off.
Our goal is to reduce the number of NH children, adults, seniors and families facing poverty and hardship. Through our Community Services program, we help those in crisis overcome urgent needs and shift the fundamental dynamics of their lives to create pathways that can lead to long-term success, including adequate access to housing, food, utilities, employment and other essential daily needs.
Why This Matters
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Approximately 94,000 New Hampshire residents live in poverty, meaning it is difficult to access life’s essentials – such as rent, food, clothing, utilities and transportation – on a daily basis. Among those who come to us for support, 93% of individuals have an income less than 200% of the poverty level, 85% are unable to meet their basic needs with their own income and 72% struggle to afford heat and electricity.
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An estimated 1-in-10 children across the state live in poverty. As a result, they face a higher risk of cognitive and developmental issues, mental health challenges, poor health outcomes and increased childhood stressors such as abuse, neglect and trauma.
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The cycle of poverty is a real generational issue. Studies show that those who grow up in impoverished or low-income households are more likely to face similar financial challenges into their adult years.
Our Response
Case management, financial literacy training and community referrals.
Life Plans that work towards addressing underlying issues related to housing, access to food, financial security and other areas that adversely impact their overall life situations.
Online support groups around unemployment, bereavement and other timely issues that have a profoundly negative impact on NH residents.
Results & Impact
Through our work, individuals gain a more holistic understanding of the struggles they face, and can more easily identify and work towards the solutions that make lasting improvements to their lives. In the past year:
Community Services
Support that paves the path to more stable and self-sufficient lives.
PHYSICAL LOCATIONS:
- Berlin: 603-752-1325
- Concord: 603-228-1108
- Laconia: 603-528-3035
- Lebanon: 603-448-5151
- Littleton: 603-444-7727
- Manchester: 603-624-4717
- Nashua: 603-889-9431
- Rochester: 603-332-7701
Stories of Inspiration
Moving Lives Forward: What is a Life Plan?
Kassandra: Resilient and Tenacious
Life Plan: Forging a Better Future
Need Help?
Click below if you are in need of poverty & financial hardship support and services.
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Your gift to Catholic Charities NH means a better tomorrow for your neighbors in need across the state, supporting our work with individuals and families in financial distress, and those facing other key issues such as mental health challenges, homelessness, food insecurity and more.