Mission Incomplete

I've been traveling throughout New Hampshire for eight days seeking information about the State's resources for those who are struggling financially and to open the eyes to those that may not understand what we can do to help.  Yes, I did this during the busy holiday season, but the truth is when you are homeless or having financial hardships, the days are all the same... just another day to try to survive. The days blend together and you lose sense of what day and time it is.  The time I put aside for my "Road to Recession" trip barely opened the doors to what is available for those who are in need of these services.  And there is so much more to learn: "red tape", Federal and State vs. charitable funding, continuous stereotyping on the word "homeless", options for pet owners who are struggling financially, and the negative ideas about shelter homes.

The idea of shelter homes being dirty, unsafe, infested with lice and/or bed bugs didn't hold true when I stopped to ask questions on specific shelters: New Horizons, The Tyler Blain House, The Bridge House, 100 Nights, and The Cross Roads.  These problems can exist at any place you go (even the best of hotels), but shelter homes take all precautions and preventive measures it keep this from happening.

Shelters in New Hampshire DON'T take in dogs.  There is only one shelter home, The Bridge House, partners with White Mountain Foster and Rescue by taking in dogs only if room allows.  The dogs stay on the men's side of the shelter since women and children are on the other side.  The separation between children and dogs is for liability reasons.  I did test this system last night.

I went to The Bridge House to see how and if I can get in the House.  I went to the front desk, told my story: looking for work in the area, homeless, living out of my truck, but my truck broke down, "Can my dog and I stay?"  After the staff's eyes  stared me down for an uncomfortable minute and asked me a couple questions about my situation, I was in the door.  Usually the dog would have to be taken on the men's side, but my well tempered dog, Sydney, was allowed to stay with me as long as she stayed on a leash.  We were escorted to the library to stay for the night on a cot.  During my visit,  I found the staff and the resident's to be very pleasant.  There were about four children staying at this shelter.  All residents presented themselves well with showers, clean clothes, and good attitudes.  I did hear a few stories from those staying at the House and each one I spoke to wants to better themselves.