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Homeless remembered during vigil

By ADAM URQUHART - Staff Writer | Dec 24, 2019

NASHUA – Someone in Greater Nashua will undoubtedly receive a new luxury automobile for Christmas, while countless others will get diamond necklaces, new iPhones, ski equipment, lavish vacation packages, or other material treasures.

Others, however, are just struggling to avoid becoming homeless, as a new study shows the average rent for a typical two-bedroom apartment in Greater Nashua jumped by $88 per month during the last year.

“Our community is dedicated to ending homelessness and dedicated to being a caring and welcoming community, yet still, people fall through the cracks. That’s because the need changes, the face of homelessness changes, and we need to change with it,” Nashua Board of Aldermen member Tom Lopez said during a Monday vigil to remember those who are homeless.

The vigil typically takes place on winter solstice, or the longest night of the year to recognize homeless people whose lives have been lost. However, because that was Saturday, organizers set this year’s vigil for Monday at Nashua City Hall.

“For every person that’s searching for a home, there are people willing to help – there are people willing to donate their time, their resources, their energy,” Lopez added.

Last week, the New Hampshire Coalition to End Homelessness released its ninth report on homelessness in the Granite State. The study shows the overall apartment vacancy rate is the lowest it has been in 10 years, decreasing to 0.8% in 2019.

In Greater Nashua, the median rental rate for a typical two-bedroom unit jumped from $1,368 in 2018 to $1,456 in 2019. This means that in just one year, an average renter saw his or her monthly bill jump by $88.

“The lack of affordable housing remains a major problem for people experiencing homelessness as well as those who are at risk of homelessness,” coalition Director Cathy Kuhn said. “A housing market characterized by increased rents and extremely low vacancy rates makes it challenging for anyone to access affordable rental housing, and is particularly difficult for those with the lowest incomes who may face other disadvantages that may hinder housing stability.”

Monday night’s memorial vigil was about remembering those who have died while homeless.

Some of those who had gathered in front of city hall called out names of those lost, and picked up a handful of soil that they then placed in a flower pot resting on the building’s steps.

“It represents the dirt that we all must return to being part of new life,” Lopez said. “So, in the spring, this flower pot is going to be used to plant new plants, new flowers and bring new life.”

Mayor Jim Donchess also read a proclamation recognizing Monday as National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day in Nashua.

In making his proclamation, Donchess said the names read Monday were more than that – they are friends, family and fellow Nashuans. He said in their honor, officials promise to assist others who are struggling, pointing them toward a home, toward food, work, clothing, and a fresh start.

Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206, or at aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.

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