The Promise Of Comunity Action
Community Action changes people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
In the spring of 2007, Southern New Hampshire Services was called upon by Governor Lynch and other state officials to respond to the disaster caused by heavy rains, swollen rivers that resulted in massive flooding in several of our communities. This Disaster Relief Program required immediate action by our Agency. SNHS was able to provide case management, emergency financial relief, home rehabilitation and reconstruction, and other aspects of long term recovery to flood victims throughout Hillsborough County. Our staff participated in a statewide telethon that raised generous donations from New Hampshire citizens and distributed the Hillsborough County share of these funds to disaster victims. We were also able to house the federal FEMA disaster relief project as well as the federal SBA emergency loan office at our Manchester Pine Street facility. While our Agency is not a first responder in disaster relief, we were heavily involved in long term recovery and are continuing to work with federal and state officials and local partners to have a disaster preparedness program ready for future emergencies.
Natural disasters like flooding, fires, storms, etc. draw the public’s attention immediately and generally produce outpours of compassion, sympathy and resources. This speaks well of our community and our ability to look out for the welfare of others.
We at Southern New Hampshire Services know that there is another kind of disaster that many families face daily; it’s the disaster of poverty. Responding to this disaster is the day to day business of SNHS. Families suffer disastrously for lack of affordable housing, decent education, jobs, health care, decent nutrition, quality education, and healthy living conditions. These day- to-day disasters, while not as visible as fires and floods, are nonetheless equally harmful.
The recent state of flooding and the emerging threat of international terrorism have spurred public officials and private leaders to a commendable response of preparedness planning. What our state and nation need now is an equally intense preparedness plan for the disaster of poverty. The results of this disaster are no less devastating and are a equally dangerous threat to our security and well being. We at Southern New Hampshire Services remain convinced that the resources are available if we can only find the focus and the will to complete this task. We look forward to being a partner in planning to deal with the disaster of poverty.
