Merrimack County and Concord NH Salvation Army assistance programs.
Assistance is available from the Salvation Army. The non-profit, faith based charity serves the working poor in Merrimack County. They work to ensure that clients have access to both basic needs (such as free food, clothing, and McKenna House Shelter) as well as the ability to gain long term stability. There is also financial help for bills, free Christmas gifts or school supplies, and rent help.
Social workers from the Salvation Army will also try to ensure that senior citizens and children, which are too often overlooked groups in Concord, get help as well. The Merrimack County center is part of the national network, but they operate their own programs in the area. This means that the center can leverage off of the programs that are available nationally. Or they can get support and advice from those groups. But at the end of the day, what is available from the Merrimack County Salvation Army is only do to the local resources.
Emergency financial help and social services in Concord NH region
Providing a wide variety of social services is one of the main goals on the agency. Some people think this means that they can get financial help for paying their bills, such as utilities, or rent. While this may be the case for some applicants, there are no guarantees to receiving any money from the Merrimack County Salvation Army. Each case is reviewed on a one off basis, and the availability of financial aid for bills or housing is rare.
Social Services often include other support. This can include some or all of the following.
Concord NH Salvation Army Food pantry is used to battle hunger. The location may pass out groceries or volunteers will serve a hot meal from the soup kitchen.
Free clothing, household supplies, furniture and more is for sale at the Family store. This is what some people commonly call a thrift store. The items for sale will be gently used, but affordable. Not only can a low income family shop there, but so can anyone from the community, regardless of their income levels.
Vouchers may also be given out by the Salvation Army in some cases. These will be for very low income families or those with a crisis. What a voucher will do is allow the client to “shop” at the family store for the items that were approved by the Salvation Army. This can be a valuable program for buying clothing for work, furniture to replace a destroyed home, cribs for new low income moms, and the like.
Another focus is on ensuring that children from families living in poverty as well as the elderly or homebound have a holiday to share the joy with. Salvation Army Merrimack County volunteers may even drop by nursing homes or hospitals to visit the sick or seniors to bring them some cheer.
The free holiday programs go by many names. They include the Angel Tree (for free Christmas toys), Adopt a Family, and Thanksgiving turkey feasts. There may also even be Easter baskets for some children as well. Each holiday is handed separately.
Merrimack County Salvation Army also provides other support. These come and go based on funding and volunteers. But there may be the following, when possible.
- School supplies such as backpacks, pens, pencils, clothing, and uniforms are given out.
- Shelters are available, year round and also during hot or cold spells. There are also charities that help with rent nationally.
- During a disaster, meals are served, water is given out, and mobile canteens operate in Merrimack County.
- McKenna House Homeless Shelter at 100 S. Fruit Street, Concord, New Hampshire. Phone: 603-228-3505
- Seniors can also seek supportive housing from the local office.
Also, no matter what the challenge is or whether someone qualifies for financial help or not, the Salvation Army case managers give referrals, counseling, and faith based advice to those that want it. This will be confidential and non-judgmental. Whether an applicant needs to know how to apply for welfare or where to access food stamps from, that is arranged. Or the agency will also help people learn about local job training programs in Concord and Merrimack County, as the Salvation Army wants to end the cycle of poverty.
Applying for Salvation Army resources in Merrimack County
Whether it is financial aid for rent or living expenses, a meal, or guidance, the Salvation Army office in Concord New Hampshire tries to provide this and more. For details, dial (603) 225-5586 or stop by 58 Clinton Street.
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