MANCHESTER, NH – Homelessness exists in the Queen City. This is a fact.
And especially now, when temperatures outside are dipping into the single digits and extreme weather is just a forecast away, our urge toward human kindness makes us worry about those without warm shoes, warm coats, warm beds.
The city says it has things under control.
Currently, the city’s primary shelter, New Horizons for NH, has plenty of empty beds, says Executive Director Charlie Sherman. That means unlike some shelters that require sobriety, someone suffering from addiction to alcohol or drugs can spend the night someplace where it’s warm and safe.
Currently there are about 68 adults using the shelter, which has a capacity for 100.
“We have less people staying with us now than we have had in a long time,” says Sherman. “We’re down 10 to 12 percent from last year.”
He attributes that to a combination of factors – more people have found employment or left the area, most likely.
Sherman says the homeless population New Horizons serves is a cross section – 15-20 percent are dealing with mental health issues and “should probably be staying someplace other than a homeless shelter.”
He won’t turn them away.
“Because the state doesn’t provide for them, we let them stay there. Some have been here on a pretty long-term basis in what’s supposed to be a short-term facility. We have some who come and have breakfast, stay in the building to keep warm, sit down for dinner at 4:30 and then go upstairs and go to bed, and then do it all again tomorrow,” Sherman says. “And as long as I’m here, these people won’t be put on the street.”
Another 30 percent of regular shelter visitors are actively suffering from addiction, mostly alcohol, and another 15 percent who are transients, coming from other communities or states.
The remaining 50 percent are dealing with some combination of those things, from people who’ve been recently evicted to those going through relationship or family issues and need a place to stay for a night or two.
Sherman acknowledges that there are many others who choose not to stay in the shelter, opting instead to create makeshift shelters or campsites with other homeless individuals, or seeking shelter in abandoned buildings, or their cars.
“Many don’t like the rules. We get some who complain it’s like a prison here. Let me tell you, we aren’t running the Ritz-Carlton. It’s a shelter. And because we’re dealing with a large population of people in a closed space, we have to have rules,” Sherman says.
Although there is an intake process, anyone who has never stayed at the shelter before can come any time and get a bed, says Sherman.
“You could show up at 2 a.m., and we’ll get you a bed for the night. If you have been here before, then you know you need to sign in by 5:45 p.m.,” says Sherman.
When the lights go out, you go to bed. There’s no commingling or touching other visitors.
“My No. 1 priority is safety and security,” Sherman says.
There are other shelter options – families can find shelter through Families in Transition. Veterans can find help at Liberty House. Angie’s Shelter is for adult women 18 and older.
Sherman said he also knows that 1269 Cafe, a faith-based outreach on Hanover Street, is in the process of retrofitting part of the old police station that will be available on Chestnut Street to provide day services to the homeless.
“I don’t think they’re doing a shelter, but if someone wants to go into the shelter business, be my guest. It’s not an easy undertaking. We’re the only wet shelter in the state, which means even if you’re intoxicated or high, you can stay,” Sherman says.
He often is asked how someone with a caring heart for the homeless can help.
“There really isn’t a lot. I know people mean well and are good-hearted, but I’ve seen comments on Facebook where someone will say they saw a homeless person and took them in their car to get them something to eat, or to their home for a hot meal. That’s dangerous. They think they’re doing the ‘right thing,’ but I can tell you many of the people we serve are not stable, which is why they’re here in the first place,” Sherman said.
“It may sound harsh, but this is a tough environment. Even if your heart is in the right place, you have to be careful. You don’t know what the person’s situation or story is, and with 50 percent of the homeless struggling with mental health or addiction, issues, anything can happen. Our staff is trained to know how to handle the tough situations. I’m afraid the public might be putting themselves in danger with direct intervention,” he said.
Breakfast is served to those who have stayed the night, and dinner is available for anyone who’s hungry, whether they’re staying or not. They have a supply closet of hats, gloves, shoes and coats, which are also available to anyone in need. Donations are always welcome.
“I hate to sound like that, but if somebody wants to help, the best thing you can do is support the shelter or Families in Transition with a monetary donation,” Sherman says.
We also asked Mayor Gatsas a few general questions about the city’s services and policies on homelessness. The responses, provided by his office, are below:
1. Are the city’s shelters full?
There are no capacity issues at New Horizons, especially for women. The shelter is not at, or near, capacity and they do not actually anticipate capacity issues through the winter.
2. Will there be an emergency shelter for those currently out there on the streets?
At this point the city has no intention of opening an emergency homeless shelter. The city does have a plan as part of our overall emergency management operations plan which is operated in conjunction with several partnering agencies depending on the circumstance, including the American Red Cross. Should the shelter reach capacity, which as I said previously New Horizons does not forsee, the city would certainly work to address the need as we have done in the past.
3. Is the old police station being used to house the homeless?
The police station is currently under construction. Officials at Manchester Fire have been in touch with the management of the building and this is certainly an option depending on our needs.
4. Seems to be a lot of homeless people out there. What’s going on? Is it due to the heroin crisis?
There has been no increase in the homeless number in the city and there is no evidence that the heroin epidemic has caused the numbers to change. There is a contingency of homeless that also do not want and/or will not accept shelter – it’s hard for people to wrap their arms around this sometimes, but it is a reality.
5. Where can homeless people go during the day?
The New Horizons Soup Kitchen has been essentially open as a day center since October 15. For any homeless person that stays in the shelter overnight they are allowed to stay in the pantry area all day.
6. Why would someone be banned from the shelter when it’s so cold outside?
As in every situation, there could be an isolated case where someone has been evicted from the shelter under severe circumstance – that does happen, however, that would have to be taken up with the shelter.
7. What can a person do to help?
If people would like to help the best way is to volunteer and/or donate to New Horizons. Donations can also include, boots, clothes, hats, mittens socks etc. The information to do so is available on the New Horizons website.
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