As we face a winter of impending uncertainty, we will be making what will likely be much more drastic changes in our lives than the ones we had to make in the early spring. There is no denying that too many of us, as individuals and as families, in our work environments and in trying to grab a familiar hold of some kind of social life, have let too much of our resilience slip by the wayside.

We have become compliant to our emotions instead of staying strong and continuing to aggressively fight the virus, just as aggressively as it has impacted our lives and livelihoods.

The numbers do not lie. We are experiencing an absolutely horrific spike in positive infection rates here in New Hampshire. The numbers are changing every day, but lately, they do not change for the better- not enough, anyways. So many working on the front line, those who have lost their income as a result, those who have contracted the virus, or worse, those who have lost loved ones to it are all finding little solace in any instance of the numbers dipping even the slightest bit.

Vaccines are on the way, it’s true, but that does nothing today and in the weeks ahead for those who are hurting the most. We cannot rely on Congress to stop bickering long enough, if they are even communicating at all, to agree on a relief package. Right now, and as we look ahead, we can only count on ourselves, our peers and our neighbors to do the right thing.

As of Friday the 20th, a statewide mask mandate is in effect, and is projected to expire on January 15th. It applies to anyone over the age of 5 who is inside a building that is not their home or outside where social distancing is not possible.

Thank you, Gov. Sununu, for finally doing the right thing.

Doing the right thing means wearing your mask, even when you’re outside; it means washing your hands regularly and thoroughly; it means keeping a safe distance from others, not shaking hands, not hugging, and not socializing in large crowds.

As much as we all love to go out for a bite to eat or a drink with friends, it is safe to assume that with this spike in positive cases, coupled by the cold weather setting in, removing the ability to safely serve and be served in outdoor areas, we should all be transitioning back into supporting our local eateries by ordering take out and delivery meals from them.

By now, after following my Spotlight features on local restaurants, you should have a very hefty list of establishments to choose from.

For the foreseeable future, we are going to turn our focus to local charities and nonprofits that not only deserve to be in the limelight, but could also use a little (read: a lot) of help from the communities that they so tirelessly and compassionately serve every single day.

“Doing the right thing” is not limited to mask-wearing, hand-washing and social-distancing. We also need to be more aware of the struggles of those in our community who are less fortunate, and lend the help that we can, when we can.

By learning about the charities and nonprofits who serve those in our beautifully diverse population who may not know where they are laying their head tonight, how they are going to eat today, whether they will have the money for childcare, rent, medical bills, or if they will be able to get their children a few nice things for the holidays, we open ourselves up to opportunities to help. When we help to enrich the lives of our neighbors, we enrich the entire community.

We cannot and should not assume that the accomplishments of the local economy will take care of everyone. The “trickle down” theory of economics is not only unrealistic, it is a dangerously classist and racist one. It’s supposed to spread out over all of us, through liveable wages and fair housing opportunities, to say the least.

In closing, as we approach holidays that are so often associated with the giving nature within our hearts, it only seems appropriate that we shift part of our collective focus in this direction. After all, “Season’s Greetings” don’t put food on the table.

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Even before Covid-19 invaded all of our lives to some extent, many of our friends, family members, neighbors and peers struggled when they should have been succeeding. Communities in every state in this nation are home to folks who need a helping hand, and Nashua is certainly no exception. As the Coronavirus Pandemic rages on, more community members than ever are experiencing the pain of food shortage, housing crises, mounting medical bills, homelessness and more.

Not everyone has the means to have a backup plan or safety net in place when dealt a difficult blow. Unfortunate circumstances and tragedy can change an individual’s or family’s life in the blink of an eye. Job loss, addiction, a house fire, illness: all of these things and more can lead to the loss of hope. Too many families in Greater Nashua, especially now, walk down paths burdened by heart-wrenching difficulties that can seem to come from every direction.

But Nashua is also the home of numerous nonprofit agencies that are the epitome of charitable causes. One such organisation is The Front Door, often known as Front Door Agency. Located in the heart of Nashua’s North End, Front Door serves to assist those in need to acquire and maintain a self sufficient way of life in the face of damaging life experiences.

The Front door’s mission is crystal-clear: provide services and programs that uplift and empower those in need. As opportunities for enrichment are more prevalent than ever, the selfless efforts of Front Door are something that the entire community can get behind. By providing educational opportunities and direction, they are helping individuals and families transition from times of crisis to times of self-sufficiency and achievement.

Transformational Housing is a program that helps single or expectant mothers between the ages of 18 and 35 gain independence. Through a focus on stabilization, transformation and flourishment, mothers who have experienced crises gain the skills and means to provide a good life for themselves and their families. In 2019, 85% of the single mothers in this program graduated or participated in educational programs; 70% of them gained considerable increases in benefits and income while in the Transformational Housing program, including wage increases and promotions; and so very notable, 93% of women and children in the program were able to remove themselves from situations of domestic violence.

The Housing Stability Program focuses on keeping individuals or families in their current home if homlessness is a looming risk by assisting with utility bills, and mortgage and back rent loans; additionally, those who are experiencing homelessness can receive assistance with housing and security deposit and first month’s rent loans. This program helps to avoid or eliminate homelessness for folks in the Greater Nashua area by providing the resources required to gain or regain independence. In 2019, 91% of the families that enrolled in the Housing Stability Program received assistance with back rent, security deposits and utilities, and 30% of them were children under the age of 14.

The Financial Literacy Program at Front door is essential to ensuring that those who gain independence are able to maintain it. By understanding and developing skills in basic banking, budgeting, home buying and ownership, resume building, interviewing and more, participants are able to support themselves and their families while empowering them for the future. While adults take advantage of this critical learning, free childcare is provided on premises. Of the 1,142 individuals who participated in the programs at Front Door in 2019, the ones who took part in the Financial Literacy Program undoubtedly learned skills that can support them and their families for the rest of their lives.

Every year, the Front Door Agency pairs children and families with local businesses, organizations and individuals to help provide presents and warm clothing. Registration to participate as a donating partner for 2020 is now closed, but you can still make a monetary donation towards future Holiday Program drives. In 1994, Front Door and the Telegraph joined forces to ensure that the donations received through the annual Santa Fund are allocated to those most in need. Together, we have been able to provide food, toys, gifts and clothing to nearly 1,000 children each year.

Homelessness is rampant in Nashua alone; food shortage exists here; parents are struggling to keep a roof over the heads of their children; individuals are fighting addiction and mental health crises. Homelessness is evident and cannot be ignored. With the compassionate guidance of Front Door, we can gather our resources together to help ensure that less of our neighbors are left alone to make ends meet, obtain housing, feed themselves and gain the satisfaction of independence.

Giving is not so much a gift, but an honor, and although this community excels at taking care of its own, there is so much more that can be done. Please consider making a donation to Front Door today.

To learn more about the mission and programs at Front Door, and to donate, visit https://www.frontdooragency.org.