What comes to mind when you think of poor and homeless? Does your mind go to an image of old men, mentally ill huddled around an impromptu fire to keep warm? Do you see the images from the evening news of “tent cities” that have crept up around the country?
How about a 17-year-old girl who was thrown out by parents who cannot understand what transgender means? Can you imagine a young twenty-something mother of two young children recovering from bruises and a sprain due to domestic violence?
These images are all around us; we just choose not to see them. PSU has a beautiful campus, breathtaking views and many privileged students who know not of what is right down the street.
A surprise to many is that within walking distance of this picturesque campus is The Bridge House Shelter.
In 1987, the Plymouth community and local religious leaders saw a problem that needed addressing: an increase in poverty. Therefore, in 1989, The Bridge House was formed and licensed to assist eight individuals. As need increased in the area, so did the size and assisting ability of the organization.
Housed on the campus of The Whole Village Family Resource Center, The Bridge House often serves and helps upwards of thirty individuals at once. In a state that boasts one of the lowest poverty levels in the country, one would not think that services such as these are necessary. Yet, in today’s economy, this should be of no surprise.
Plymouth and surrounding areas are heavy in the service industry. Wages are low and the time is demanding. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, NH was only slightly lower than the National Unemployment rate of 6% in July of this year. The US Census estimates that only 8% of NH residents are living under the poverty line. But, what does that really mean?
According to America’s Youngest Outcasts 2010 documents, over 22% residents in NH are paying more than 50% of their income for rent and for a family to qualify for a 2-bedroom apartment, they must earn $19.67 per hour.
How can you help?
– Offer to volunteer (PSU Community Service Center advisor:lmcorriveau1@plymouth.edu)
-Donate food to a local food pantry (Don’t forget PSU has a student food pantry)
-Donate hotel toiletries (non-food items cannot be purchased with food stamps)
-Donate coats and sweaters (in good condition) to a shelter
-Donate money or bulk food items
-Become a driver for a meal program
-Staff a crisis line
-Volunteer your time to share a skill you know
There are community service opportunities for everyone. If you need help finding an organization that could use your assistance. Here is a list of a few resources in our area:
Plymouth Area Comm. Closet Food Depot @ Whole Village
www.wholevillage.net
258 Highland Street
603-536-1106
Pemi Youth Center
111 Main St
www.pemiyouthcenter.org
603-536-7265
Bridge House, Inc.
www.pemibridgehouse.org
260 Highland St
603-536-7631
Casey Family Services
www.caseyfamilyservices.org
551 Meadow Street
603-444-9909
Keeping You, Me, and Memories Alive, Inc.
www.memoriesalive.org
PO Box 322
603-707-1466
Pemi-Valley Habitat for Humanity
www.pemivalleyhabitat.org
PO Box 238
603-536-1333
Voices Against Violence
www.voicesagainstviolence.net
PO Box 53
603-536-5999
This list is not inclusive of all organizations in our area, for more information contact the PSU Community Service Center @ 603-535-3060.