One of the greatest challenges for women in recovery is finding safe, stable, affordable housing. That’s why Community Action Partnership of Strafford County has partnered with Hope on Haven Hill to help them complete multiple projects for their transitional housing facilities.

The nonprofit Hope on Haven Hill operates multiple facilities in Strafford County that provide a place where pregnant, post-partum, and parenting women living in poverty and battling substance use disorder can access residential and outpatient treatment, recovery support, and recovery housing.

Using federal grant funding and partnerships with state agencies and utility companies, CAPSC’s Weatherization Program made major upgrades at two different Hope on Haven buildings in 2022 and 2023. CAPSC renovated and improved attics, basements, windows, and bathrooms, in addition to air sealing, installing mini split heating/cooling systems, and conducting several health and safety measures.

“It was a huge drop in energy costs,” CAPSC Housing Development and Revitalization Director Bob Arnold said while describing the result of the projects. “On average, we’re doubling our investment over the lifespan (of the upgrades).”

During a tour of the projects with U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan in March 2023, Hope on Haven Hill Executive Director Kerry Norton said it’s “such a pleasure to collaborate” with CAPSC and “do such great work together.”

“As a nonprofit providing residential programs, recovery housing, and affordable housing, it is important to have efficient, effective, and reliable energy and heating systems in our facilities,” she said. “Putting these systems into place can be expensive. Having access to funding for these projects has been a real game changer for us.”

Lisa Pollard, Hope on Haven Hill’s director of operations, said her organization is “very grateful to have such a supportive relationship with CAPSC.”

The feeling is mutual for CAPSC staff.

“Partnerships with other community leaders like Hope on Haven Hill are a win-win for everyone involved and for Strafford County residents,” said CAPSC Housing Development and Revitalization Director Bob Arnold. “Our nonprofits are doing great work together for the community and for each other.”