Housing Relief Program

New Hampshire Housing Relief Program Overview

Southern New Hampshire Services helps facilitate the New Hampshire Housing Relief Program for those in need of rent, mortgage or utility assistance due to COVID-19. This program will pay past-due rent, mortgage and utilities from April 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020 for households that lost income or had increased household expenses as a result of COVID-19. You are still responsible for any rent or utility payments that were past due before March 31, 2020.

HOW IT WORKS

The New Hampshire Housing Relief Program can help you in a few different ways:

• A one-time grant up to $2500 for those able to maintain housing without any additional help
• Monthly financial assistance spread over the period of a few months for those needing more help that gradually reduces as you become more financially stable
• Financial assistance finding and maintaining permanent housing while transitioning out of a shelter situation that gradually reduces as you become more financially stable

The payments you are deemed eligible for will be made directly to the landlord or service provider.

In order to receive ongoing financial assistance from the Housing Relief Program you will be required to work with a case manager who will work with you on the following:

• Determining which part of the program is most appropriate to help you maintain your housing
• Talking on a regular basis to evaluate progress, provide support and modify any plans as needed
• Reviewing your income and expenses before COVID-19 to see how much they have changed
• Developing a budget plan for maintaining housing while receiving assistance and after it ends
• Working with you and your landlord to ensure everyone agrees with whatever plans are developed to maintain your housing
• Discerning if other household expenses may be eligible for payment
• Helping find suitable housing if necessary
• Applying for other benefits and/or services for which you may be eligible if necessary

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Must have lost income OR had increase in household expenses as a result of COVID-19
• You do NOT need to be under an eviction notice to participate in the program
• There is no income limit to be eligible

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applying for assistance is simple. First, you must provide basic information about yourself and the members of your household followed by completing a brief three page application. The application bust be completed in one sitting as progress is not saved. After submitting your application a staff member will contact you via email to schedule an intake interview.

WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY

To prove eligibility at the time of application, you may be asked to provide various documentation which may include but is not limited to:

• Demand for Rent or Eviction Notice
• Income documentation (paystubs, SSI, unemployment, etc.)
• Non-income documentation (food stamps, other benefits, etc.)
• Lease agreement
• Mortgage bill/foreclosure notice
• Proof of loss of employment (furlough, layoff notice, etc.)
• Utility bills including electric, gas, oil and internet
• Any items documenting other COVID-related household expenses

For the application process, you will need to have the following information on hand for every member of your household:

• Social security number
• Date of birth
• Health insurance status and/or type
• Marital status
• Highest level of education
• Employment status
• Veteran status
• Primary phone (for children provide your own and not theirs)
• Email (for children provide your own and not theirs)

The CDC has placed a temporary ban on evictions through December 31, 2020 to prevent possible homelessness for tenants due to the hardships many are facing during this time. For more information about the CDC Eviction Ban, check out the What You Need To Know Infographic from New Hampshire Legal Aid.

Your Money In Action

If you are already working with an SNHS Housing Relief Case Manager and would like to access the Your Money In Action 3-part video series on creating and maintaining a budget with additional resources, please enter the password provided to you below:

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NH Housing Relief Program Information

NH Housing Program Update

The NH Housing Relief Program administered by Community Action Partnership of New Hampshire will stop accepting applications on December 18th.

Without the extension of the CARES Act, the State of New Hampshire must close the programs by the end of this year. We encourage all households that need assistance to apply by the deadline of December 18th.December 18th will be the last day Southern New Hampshire Services will be able to accept completed applications via the online portal or by mail. Any outstanding applications must include all necessary documentation. If you’ve already submitted an application and provided the necessary documentation, then a representative from Southern New Hampshire Services will contact you.

Southern New Hampshire Services is only allowed to pay for services up until December 30th.

New Hampshire Housing Relief Program Overview

Southern New Hampshire Services helps facilitate the New Hampshire Housing Relief Program for those in need of rent, mortgage or utility assistance due to COVID-19. This program will pay past-due rent, mortgage and utilities from April 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020 for households that lost income or had increased household expenses as a result of COVID-19. You are still responsible for any rent or utility payments that were past due before March 31, 2020.

HOW IT WORKS

The New Hampshire Housing Relief Program can help you in a few different ways:

• A one-time grant up to $2500 for those able to maintain housing without any additional help
• Monthly financial assistance spread over the period of a few months for those needing more help that gradually reduces as you become more financially stable
• Financial assistance finding and maintaining permanent housing while transitioning out of a shelter situation that gradually reduces as you become more financially stable

The payments you are deemed eligible for will be made directly to the landlord or service provider.

In order to receive ongoing financial assistance from the Housing Relief Program you will be required to work with a case manager who will work with you on the following:

• Determining which part of the program is most appropriate to help you maintain your housing
• Talking on a regular basis to evaluate progress, provide support and modify any plans as needed
• Reviewing your income and expenses before COVID-19 to see how much they have changed
• Developing a budget plan for maintaining housing while receiving assistance and after it ends
• Working with you and your landlord to ensure everyone agrees with whatever plans are developed to maintain your housing
• Discerning if other household expenses may be eligible for payment
• Helping find suitable housing if necessary
• Applying for other benefits and/or services for which you may be eligible if necessary

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Must have lost income OR had increase in household expenses as a result of COVID-19
• You do NOT need to be under an eviction notice to participate in the program
• There is no income limit to be eligible

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applying for assistance is simple. First, you must provide basic information about yourself and the members of your household followed by completing a brief three page application. The application bust be completed in one sitting as progress is not saved. After submitting your application a staff member will contact you via email to schedule an intake interview.

WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY

To prove eligibility at the time of application, you may be asked to provide various documentation which may include but is not limited to:

• Demand for Rent or Eviction Notice
• Income documentation (paystubs, SSI, unemployment, etc.)
• Non-income documentation (food stamps, other benefits, etc.)
• Lease agreement
• Mortgage bill/foreclosure notice
• Proof of loss of employment (furlough, layoff notice, etc.)
• Utility bills including electric, gas, oil and internet
• Any items documenting other COVID-related household expenses

For the application process, you will need to have the following information on hand for every member of your household:

• Social security number
• Date of birth
• Health insurance status and/or type
• Marital status
• Highest level of education
• Employment status
• Veteran status
• Primary phone (for children provide your own and not theirs)
• Email (for children provide your own and not theirs)

The CDC has placed a temporary ban on evictions through December 31, 2020 to prevent possible homelessness for tenants due to the hardships many are facing during this time. For more information about the CDC Eviction Ban, check out the What You Need To Know Infographic from New Hampshire Legal Aid.

Child Development Program Options and Locations

Summary of Program Models

PART DAY HEAD START

This program model provides preschool experiences for children 3 to 5 years of age. It is designed to meet each child’s developmental needs. The program involves the whole family in a multifaceted approach to early education with a focus on school readiness. In addition to individualized child development activities each child’s medical, dental, nutritional, emotional, and social needs are addressed. Head Start services are delivered through center attendance and home visits.Classroom hours vary from 3.5 – 6 hours depending on location in this model. Centers are located in Derry, Greenville, Hillsborough, Manchester, Nashua, Raymond, Portsmouth, Hampton and Seabrook.

HEAD START WITH WRAPAROUND CHILD CARE

This program model meets the needs of parents who are working or are in programs designed to support families with self-sufficiency goals. The program has five centers that provide wrap around childcare in addition to Head Start services. These centers are open an average of ten hours per day to meet the needs of families. Each center works with the State Scholarship system to provide assistance for families who meet the guidelines. The program employs dedicated professionals with backgrounds in early education, health, mental health, family services, and nutrition. Centers are located in Manchester, Nashua, and Hillsborough.

EARLY HEAD START

The Early Head Start Program is a comprehensive child development program that works with children from birth to three. There are two program options in Early Head Start. The center-based option provides full day services for children ages 6 weeks to three years. The home-based option works with families from the prenatal period to three years. Families participating in home based participate in a weekly home visit with a focus on child development and health. Parent participation in the visits is an important part of the program. There are also regular opportunities for group social activities. Centers are located in Manchester and Nashua.

CHILD CARE

The Child Care Program model offers high quality childcare. Support from the CCDF Scholarship (Child Care Development Fund Scholarship) and grants from the Monadnock United Way and United Way of Greater Nashua have ensured that childcare remains affordable to low-income working families. Programs are designed to meet each child’s individual needs. A dedicated staff provides a variety of learning experiences that encourage social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth. The centers are located in Nashua, Manchester and Hillsborough.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Aan after School Program is available at the SNHS Hillsborough Child Development Center. This program provides care for students in grades K-5. The Hillsborough program provides a nurturing environment that promotes positive growth and development. Staff walk children from the local elementary school.

For additional information about the program or to complete an application, call your local center at the number listed below. During the months of June-August, please call our central office at (603) 668-8010, ext. 6098 or 1 (800) 322-1073, ext. 6098. Applications are accepted year round. We look forward to hearing from you!

The following are locations and contact information for area Head Start and Early Head Start Programs:

Women, Infants & Children (WIC)

The New Hampshire Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program (WIC) provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and nutritious foods to help keep pregnant women, new mothers, infants and preschool children healthy and strong, making sure that your family has what they need to live a healthy life.

WIC provides you with basic, healthy foods to assure that your family is getting the nutrition they need. Foods such as fruits and vegetables, milk, cheese, eggs, juice, peanut butter, and whole grain options are available for your family. WIC also provides alternative options for families with dietary restrictions such as soy products and gluten free options.  In October 2018, SNHS transitioned to EWIC, replacing the paper vouchers with a new debit card. Moving to EWIC provides a more positive experience for WIC families. It is secure and easy to use, and allows families to purchase food as needed, as opposed to purchasing everything on the paper voucher at once.

But that’s not all. The WIC Program also provides nutrition, breastfeeding, and health education as well as other services for pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to the age of five.

WIC is for all kinds of families: married and single parents, working or not working. If you are a father, mother, grandparent, foster parent, or other legal guardian of a child under five, you can apply for WIC.

Nutrition Education 

We’ll show you how to make healthy, affordable meals for your family with nutrition tips and recipes.

Prenatal Nutrition

We help in giving your baby a healthy start. Through our prenatal education and healthy foods, we can help feed your baby long before delivery.

Health Care Referrals

We want you to have the medical help you need. Get referrals for immunizations, health care and other programs like Medicaid and Healthy Kids.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your new baby. We offer breastfeeding support, education and counseling.

Nutrition Counseling

Parents often worry about their child’s eating habits. Our WIC nutritionists can give you advice for all of your nutritional concerns.

Health Screening

Tracking your child’s growth will help you understand their health  and development.

CURRENT INCOME GUIDELINES

The Food and Nutrition Service, USDA, provides the following 185% Income Poverty Guidelines, effective July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021:

WIC PROGRAM FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN

Check the income guidelines to see if you qualify for WIC. If your household’s total gross income is less than or equal to the amount listed you may be eligible. (Note: if you are pregnant, add one person to the size of your household.)

How to Apply for WIC Services

Find a WIC clinic closest to you at www.signupWIC.com, or call the State WIC Agency at 1-800-942-4321; OR

You can now use an online WIC Pre-screening Tool to see if you are eligible for WIC services. The Tool asks several questions about residential and income eligibility for WIC services. Visit the USDA's WIC Program at www.fns.usda.gov/wic and click on the "Am I Eligible?" banner on the page. As you proceed through the tool, you will also be able to see which WIC agency in NH to call for an appointment.

Women, Infants & Children Nutrition Program provides nutrition education and nutritious foods to help keep pregnant women, new mothers, infants and preschool children healthy and strong through the NH WIC Program. The WIC Program has locations statewide and income eligible families are encouraged to apply. WIC Nutrition Services also administers other health and nutrition programs.

WIC Food Packages Time for a Change: WIC families receive more variety and healthier choices in their food items, including fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and infant foods.

Breastfeeding Promotion and Support a public awareness effort to increase awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding for both a mother and an infant as well as to provide resources and support to women breastfeeding.

Referral Sheets

SNHS Referral Sheet

RCA Referral Sheet

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement:

The explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights legislation and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program of activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1)              Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2)               Fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3)              Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Civil Rights

IF LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED FOR CIVIL RIGHTS PURPOSES, PLEASE CONTACT THE NH COMMISSION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AT: 1-603-271-2767, DIAL "0", ASK FOR AN INTERPRETER.SI ASISTENCIA DE LENGUAJE ES NECESARIO PARA CIVILES DERECHOS PROPÓSITOS, POR FAVOR CONTACTO CON LA COMISIÓN NH LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS A: 1-603-271-2767, MARCAR "0", PEDIR UNA INTERPETER.