On October 7th, Latonya Muccioli, Housing Services Officer, City of Nashua, addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding, her responsibilities leading and overseeing housing initiatives, including housing instability and homelessness. This position was created in January 2024.
She began to address the root causes, develop a strategic plan, collaborate with local, state and regional agencies and promote public health. There are many factors resulting in housing instability and homelessness. They include 37% of individuals who have some form of mental health disorder, 24% a mental or physical disability,15% chronic health issues and 9% a substance abuse issue. She also noted that renters are paying more than homeowners while earning less. Some of the contributing factors for instability include a housing shortage, cost burdened households, a criminal history, homelessness and low access to health care. There are 14 encampments here in town, 8 staff members addressing the problem for Nashua. The unsheltered population in the city is in the mid 70’s. 339 active clients are being served, with 39% being families and 61% are individuals.
There are many city agencies involved in Nashua’s housing instability program along with many non-profits and churches. Various meetings are held monthly and quarterly among city and state agencies. Much has been accomplished during her tenure. A strategic plan was developed, developed an encampment tracking and management tool, posted application for Housing Trust Fund (a $10,000,000 fund to help reduce housing inequity), drafted racial and social equity toolkit, created webpage, expanded access to public restrooms, and opened temporary overnight warming station.
There remain many needs in the community. They include more emergency low-barrier sheltering capability, overnight warming stations, daytime resource drop-in center, more affordable housing, legislation around voucher discrimination, options for vehicle storage and storage for personal goods. The next steps are to present request for overnight warming station, focus on root causes of homelessness by building relationships with sober homes, meet with non-profit partners, analyze current legislation, build relationships with criminal justice system providers identify needs for resource center and collaborate with regional municipalities. Ms. Muccioli concluded by taking questions.
President Boilard noted that several clubs were asking how they can support hurricane Helene relief efforts in the southern US. RI Director Patrick Eakes for zones 33/34 sent a message through zone 28/32 director Chris Etienne appreciating the concerns. A fund has been established to assist recovery efforts in zone 33/34. Donations can be made at www.rizones33-34.org.