Homelessness in the Region

According to the New Hampshire Coalition to End Homelessness 2018 State of Homelessness in NH report:

• Between 2016 and 2018, Rockingham and Strafford Counties experienced a 31% and 45% increase in Point In Time counts of individuals and families experiencing homelessness

• On any given night, there are more than 200 individuals and family members experiencing homelessness in the greater seacoast area

•  On any given night, upwards of 60 individuals and family members experiencing homelessness in the region are unsheltered

• Most of the area’s shelters are consistently at or above capacity on a year round basis

• More than 800 students enrolled in public schools in Rockingham and Strafford Counties during the 2016-2017 school year were reported as experiencing homelessness at some point during the academic year

• A rising number of individuals experiencing homelessness are employed either full or part time

A lack of affordable housing in the region has been identified as the most significant barrier in accessing stable housing post-shelter, and contributing to eviction, which in many cases, leads to homelessness.