What We Do
Since 1980 the Upper Valley Haven has provided temporary shelter and educational programming for homeless families and adults as well as food to anyone in need.
Where People Find Hope and Discover Possibility
The Upper Valley Haven is a private nonprofit that provides support and assistance to community members struggling with poverty in Vermont and New Hampshire. We meet people where they are, address immediate needs through food and shelter, and offer longer-term solutions that foster independence and housing stability. Everyone deserves to have their basic needs met and a community is stronger when we offer a hand up to our most vulnerable neighbors.
News & Stories
Explore our blog for insightful articles, stories about the people we serve, and ideas that inspire action on the topics you care about.
January 10, 2025
On Wednesday, the Lebanon Seasonal Shelter opened its doors for a second winter, offering refuge to individuals experiencing the harsh realities of being unhoused during the coldest months of the year. Located at 160 Mechanic Street, the shelter is operated [...]
December 27, 2024
A Message from the Executive Director This is a special time of year at the Haven. I’m fortunate in my position at the Haven to be able to reflect on the accomplishments we’ve made since I wrote to you at [...]
September 26, 2024
The Haven is excited to announce the start of a $9 million campaign to secure the funds needed to construct a 20-bed emergency shelter and a community resource center focused on helping people to secure housing and lead self-directed lives. […]
Donate Now
Nothing would be possible without the support of our community and for that we are eternally grateful. At The Haven over 70% of our operating budget comes from private companies and individual donations. Using your gift carefully is how we honor our donors. We couldn’t do our important work without you, thank you!
Laura Gillespie has been leading fundraising at the Haven since 2016, making sure we have the resources to meet growing needs.
The Haven provides food, shelter, and support at no cost, but none of it happens without donors. A large portion of our funding comes from private giving.
In this video, Laura talks about how the need has grown, why donor support is more important than ever, and how every gift makes an impact.
📣 Watch and learn how you can join us by visiting uppervalleyhaven.org/donate
We were honored to support the Hartford Fire Department by providing space for hands-on training before the building is demolished to make way for our new Haven Shelter & Resource Center. Thank you to HFD for all you do! We will be sharing more about this crucial shelter and the impact it will have in the coming weeks.
Learn more about the training and our new shelter in the press release: uppervalleyhaven.org/hartfordfd
Over the years, we’ve received incredible support through food drives and donation collections. This generosity plays a huge role in helping the Haven provide essential services in the Upper Valley.
We often get asked how to start a drive, where to find logos, and what tips we recommend.
To make it easier, we’ve created a new page on our website with answers to these questions and everything in one place! Take a look, and thank you to the many individuals, businesses, and organizations that encourage the community to support our work.
uppervalleyhaven.org/drives
#CommunitySupport #UpperValleyCare #FoodDrives
Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at the Haven! 💖 Today, we’re celebrating the generosity and kindness that make our community so special. Your support brings hope, stability, and care to those who need it most—not just today, but every day. Thank you for sharing your heart with us! ❤️ #ThankYou #ValentinesDay
We’re so grateful to @woodstockfarmersmarket for supporting the Haven through their January-February round-up program! When you shop for your favorite local meals, snacks, and treats, you can round up your total to the nearest dollar, with every extra cent going directly to our programs.
It’s a simple way to give back while supporting a great local business. Thank you! #RoundingUp #CommunitySupport
Homemade meals and community care! 🍽️ Board President Kathy Welling, her husband, and friends recently spent an evening cooking dinner for guests at our Hixon Shelter. Warm, home-cooked meals mean so much to those staying with us, and we’re grateful for the many volunteers who support the Haven in so many ways.
Interested in cooking for shelter guests? We`d love to have you! Learn more: uppervalleyhaven.org/volunteer/
#CommunityCare #Volunteer #UpperValleyCare
Spots are still open to run with Team Haven at the 2025 Covered Bridges Half Marathon! 🏃♂️🏃♀️
Regular registration is sold out, but you can still secure a spot by committing to fundraising for the Haven. As a team member, you`ll support our work while enjoying exclusive perks like private bathrooms, snacks, and personal bag delivery to the finish line.
Your run will help individuals and families facing housing instability and food insecurity.
Sign up here: https://uppervalleyhaven.org/events/covered-bridges/2025-registration/
#cbhm2025