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Merrimack County reviews homelessness response as commissioners approve cold-weather grants
Summary
County staff and partner agencies told commissioners the local homelessness population has grown in recent years and that limited shelter capacity is forcing reliance on emergency options. The board approved allocation of state cold-weather shelter funds to local providers after discussion; one commissioner recorded an objection.
Merrimack County commissioners heard an extended briefing on the county’s homelessness response and approved distribution of state cold-weather shelter funds to local service providers.
County and provider staff told the board that the countywide Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) count showed about 330 unhoused individuals or households as of Aug. 19, 2025, up from 29 in 2019; staff cautioned that improved counting and PIT methods account for part of the rise but that tight rental markets and long wait lists for behavioral-health care are also drivers.
Presenters described the local shelter network: McKenna House is the most frequently used congregate shelter in Concord but typically has just 20–24 beds and is often full; Family Promise serves families but requires families to rotate between host sites…
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