Susan Almy: A Lifelong Commitment to Housing and Community

For nearly three decades, Susan Almy has been a steady supporter of the Upper Valley Haven. Her path to the Haven began in the 1990s, when she returned to New Hampshire after a 25-year career in Africa and Latin America. Having worked on agricultural programs abroad, Susan came home with a deep awareness of poverty and resilience and a determination to use her resources to strengthen her own community.

“I was brought up to believe that you should serve your community and do what you can to make it a better place,” she says. That philosophy has guided both her philanthropy and her three decades of service in the New Hampshire legislature.

From Global Work to Local Impact

Her connection to the Haven grew out of her work with housing organizations in Lebanon. “It was because of the relationship between the homeless programs and housing problems that we were working on in Lebanon… I probably first got to know the Haven through Listen connections,” she recalls.

Housing, Susan says, has always been her focus. “If you don’t support the poorest people in your area, then there’s probably going to be a considerable amount more crime.”

Family Influence and a Commitment to Housing

Her giving has also been shaped by family. After her middle sister passed away following a battle with alcohol- and tobacco-related illness, Susan directed part of her inheritance to housing initiatives. She reached out to local partners to learn where her support could be most helpful. Susan’s mother and her younger sister Chris also contributed in their own way by helping furnish Anne’s Place, a gesture that remains especially meaningful to her.

At the Haven, Susan has seen how stability can change lives. “The Haven has always done a really good job of explaining, without breaking confidentiality, how people came to them and how they helped them find jobs, find places in the community, get their kids into school, and make new lives for themselves.” She adds: “That’s what it’s all about. Helping people get on their feet, and then watching them reach out and help others.”

“The Haven has always done a really good job of helping people make new lives for themselves.”

Susan knows how difficult it can be to create shelter and housing options. “We have failed miserably at getting people in different parts of Lebanon to accept a homeless shelter… we’re still trying, but we haven’t been able to find a place that we could build a shelter in Lebanon and not have backlash from residents.” That’s why she feels proud to see the Haven continuing to take on those challenges, including the new Shelter and Resource Center in White River Junction. “I think that’s great… providing it now, I think that’s great.”

A Legacy of Giving Forward

Looking back, Susan doesn’t dwell on the size of her contributions, but on the ripple effects of giving. “They’ve done a terrific job of helping people that were down and out get into jobs, into homes, and capable of not only sustaining themselves, but also reaching out and helping others.”

For Susan, that is fulfillment enough. “I’ve been fortunate in life. And I want to make sure others have the chance for stability and opportunity too.”

If you’d like to support housing and shelter programs at the Haven, you can do so here.