Final preparations in place for candlelight walk and grand-opening event
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MANCHESTER, NH – A community candlelight walk and open house celebration is set for Dec. 22 as Families in Transition nears completion of its latest project, the renovation and reopening of the Family Place Resource Center and Shelter at 177 Lake Ave.
Families in Transition (FIT), a homeless services provider with outposts in Manchester, Concord and Dover will be able to provide shelter to families experiencing homelessness at the new Lake Avenue center as well as partner with area nonprofits to provide on-site services, tailored to help meet the needs of homeless families under one roof.
Still needed: Money to purchase furniture, dishes, bedding, and other household items. That’s where the community comes in, says Maureen Beauregard, FIT founder and president.
“We’re in the home stretch and are reaching out to the community to help us furnish and up-fit the shelter, so that families experiencing homelessness will have a safe place to sleep, eat healthy food, and get the services that they need to get back on their feet again,” says Beauregard. “In the spirit of giving, we’re inviting the community to take part in making the lives of homeless children that much brighter. In addition, we’re inviting people to take part in our candle light walk and open house event on December 22.”
Already the organization has raised 95 percent of the funds needed to complete this project, however an additional $100,000 would be enough to complete the check-list of essential items so the center can open.
Individuals and businesses can make monetary donations online. In-kind purchases can be made on their online registry at www.myregistry.com/public/fitnh.
Join FIT on December 22 – the winter solstice – for their Family Place Resource Center and Shelter Open House. The event kicks off at 4 p.m. with a candlelight walk from the Radisson Hotel, 700 Elm St., to the shelter at 177 Lake Ave. for an aerial group photo, ceremony, ribbon cutting, and tours of the facility. Attendees are asked to RSVP by Tuesday, December 15, to events@fitnh.org or by calling (603) 641-1143 ext. 329.
The Family Place Resource Center and Shelter will provide shelter and vital resources to help families get back on their feet. By partnering with other local organizations, such as Southern New Hampshire Services Head Start, New Horizons, Goodwill, and Mobile Community Health Team of Catholic Charities, FIT can now provide families with nutritious meals, health services, a therapeutic preschool, career assistance, and more. FIT’s goal is to have the facility complete and ready to move families in by early January. To learn more about the facility and its services visit www.fitnh.org/familyplace.
Families in Transition is a nonprofit organization that provides safe, affordable housing and social services to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, enabling them to gain self-sufficiency and respect. FIT also owns and operates two thrift stores in Manchester and Concord, NH, both of which serve as economic engines to help pay for services that FIT provides. For more information about FIT, the shelter, and the stores visit www.fitnh.org or call 603-641-9441.
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