About Us
Eastern Monadnock Housing Security Coalition
(EMHSC)
A partnership of agencies and community members committed to promoting housing security in the Eastern Monadnock Region.
The Eastern Monadnock Housing Security Coalition (EMHSC) was established in January 2021 by five local agencies to address the growing issue of housing instability in the region. In response to increasing demand for shelter, EMHSC formed to share resources, mobilize volunteers, and streamline the creation of transitional and emergency shelters within underutilized church spaces. This community-driven model has proven successful in helping families and individuals experiencing homelessness remain in their communities, close to schools, jobs, and local support.
Today, the EMHSC partners with several faith-based organizations that offer space for transitional and emergency shelter, as well as financial support to assist clients with securing shelter when nothing is available. The Dublin Community Church is our fiscal agent.
Faith-based Coalition Members
Peterborough United Methodist Church
Monadnock Congregational Church
To join us, email emhsc2021@gmail.com
We serve individuals and families in the Eastern Monadnock Region
EMHSC Advisory Committee
The EMHSC Advisory Committee oversees policies and procedures related to financial expenditures, grants, and organizational development.
Christine Robidoux, Chair, PUMC Shelter
Sarah Ellis, Peterborough Affordable Housing Committee
Erika Alusic-Bingham, Community Action Partnership of Hillsborough & Rockingham Counties
Susan Howard, Monadnock Area Transitional Shelter
Karen Pellicano, The Grapevine Family and Community Resource Center
Amanda Carter, The River Center Family Resource Center
Linda Harris, Shelter from the Storm
The McKinney-Vento Definition of Homeless
Subtitle VII-B of the Federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Education section 725(2) defines the term “homeless children and youths” as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and includes people staying in: Keep Shelters, Transitional Housing, Hotels, Motels, Staying with Others, or Unsheltered.
Shelters/Transitional Housing
This includes domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, youth shelters, trailers provided by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), housing paid for by programs such as Rapid Re-Housing, transitional living facilities, etc.
Hotels/Motels
Staying in motels/hotels due to lack of adequate alternatives is included, regardless of who pays for the motel/hotel room.
Staying with others
Staying with others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason is included.
Unsheltered
This includes staying in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings.