Helping to create a community where people find hope and discover possibility
With the support of the Upper Valley community, the Haven assists those who are experiencing poverty to be free from hunger, to be securely housed, and to pursue a self-directed life.
Founded in 1980, the Haven provides food, temporary shelter, supportive housing, children’s after school and summer programs, community outreach, and problem solving support to those in need.
The Haven is open 365 days per year, never charges for any of its services, and serves more than 10,000 people annually.
In calendar year 2022, the Haven provided:
- Shelter for 40 families (23 children) and 48 adults (including 2 veterans).
- Food for 2,994 householdswith 8,201 members (including 2,574 children), and between Thanksgiving and Christmas alone, food for 59 households who had not visited before.
- Community Service Coordination for 763 households(not including shelter guests), offering resources and advocacy for housing, employment, transportation, health, and more.
- Housing Navigation and Support to help 24 individuals from 15 households move into permanent housing from emergency shelters during the year.
- Family Supportive Housing services to help 36 families, who once experienced long-term chronic homelessness, remain securely housed.
- Children’s After-School and Summer Programs for 19 children who are, or were ever, guests in our Byrne House Family Shelter.
Our Mission
With the support of the Upper Valley community, the Haven assists those who are experiencing poverty to be free from hunger, to be securely housed, and to pursue a self-directed life.
Our Staff Values
We are a hardworking, vibrant, and agile team that navigates a complex environment of service within a culture of cooperation. We seek connection and resolve to stand together during challenges and acknowledge each other’s value. We validate feelings, honor differences, and celebrate victories. We strive to support the well-being and the personal and professional growth of our team members.
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.
Our Stories
Each person who comes in contact with the Haven—whether a former guest, staff member, volunteer or donor—has a unique story to share about what the Haven has meant to them in their life. We want to thank everyone who was brave enough to open their hearts and share their experiences with others.
May 17, 2023
Tom’s Long Journey Toward Home Once you read Tom Brown’s story, you’ll truly admire his motto: “Never give up.” Tom was living the good life—a Navy veteran, working a job he loved in the dining hall at Norwich University, family […]
May 17, 2023
Goodwill and Giving at All Ages When Devin Wilkie was growing up in Cornish, NH he and his two brothers always had what they needed, but not much more. Devin described growing up “relatively poor.” His family got by, had […]
March 10, 2023
Food Stamp Cuts Are Here, But we Can Take Action Valley News Op Ed by Michael Redmond Friday, March 10, 2023 The Valley News recently reported on the impact of ending a COVID-era increase in benefits for individuals and families […]