SUPPORTING VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS THROUGHOUT HUNGER AND HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS WEEK AND BEYOND

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in the U.S., affecting 47.4 million people, including 14 million children.* As part of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (Nov. 17-23), the YMCA of Greater Nashua is taking action to support vulnerable individuals in our community by hosting a food drive and advancing plans for a new food distribution program.

“Hunger and homelessness are harsh realities that no one should face alone,” said Lynne Boyer, Executive Director of Community Impact at the YMCA of Greater Nashua. “As an organization committed to community well-being, we’re dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing these challenges right here in Greater Nashua.”

Throughout the year, the YMCA provides essential resources to the community, including operating as an official warming and cooling station in partnership with the city of Nashua, where people can find relief from extreme weather conditions. The Y is also actively engaged in the Greater Nashua Continuum of Care, a coalition of local social service agencies focused on supporting unhoused residents and addressing the root causes of homelessness.

Looking forward, the YMCA is introducing a food distribution program, with community partner United Way of Greater Nashua, to provide further support to those in need. Individuals and families can access nutritious food at the YMCA of Greater Nashua branches, helping to alleviate food insecurity in Greater Nashua.

Additionally, the YMCA will team up once again with Kieran Kovers this year to collect new or gently used blankets, as well as new socks, hats and gloves to help assist the homeless and vulnerable individuals in our region. Over the past 14 years, generous contributions have provided almost 6000 items to the Nashua Soup Kitchen and other organizations in the Greater Nashua region to aid in helping keep the homeless warm. The YMCA and Kieran covers will be collecting donations at the YMCA branches through December 27.

The Y invites individuals to get involved by volunteering, donating, or participating in food drives throughout the year. For more details on YMCA’s hunger and homelessness programs, or to get involved, contact Lynne Boyer, Executive Director of Community Impact, at lboyer@nmymca.org or visit www.nmymca.org.

For more information on homelessness statistics, visit nationalhomeless.org. For other resources for food and shelter sources in our community please visit the Resources Section of the YMCA of Greater Nashua’s Wellbeing Center web page.

* https://frac.org/news/usdafoodsecurityreportsept2024

About the YMCA of Greater Nashua

The YMCA of Greater Nashua stands as a cornerstone of community support. The YMCA has established over 150 collaborative partnerships, making significant strides in addressing the diverse needs of residents. With a focus on the well-being of individuals and families, the YMCA’s impact is profound, evident through serving 48,000 individuals, 18,000 of these individuals being under age 18.  The YMCA of Greater Nashua is a four-star rated charity with Charity Navigator and is incredibly grateful to the support of its donors. For more information on the YMCA of Greater Nashua visit www.nmymca.org or call 603.598.1533.