Thread by @KyleStucker

Since some have asked, here’s a THREAD highlighting the #housing/#homelessness coverage that earned @PressNH’s Dennis Joos Memorial Award.

I’ve pubbed 200+ stories since 2017, so this will be a sampling, including ones from the contest period.

@FostersDailyDem @seacoastonline

This 15-part, multimedia-heavy series from @smgphoto and I kickstarted our coverage and many things.

(Note: It received 6 local, state, regional and national awards, inc. a @NENPA Publick Occurrences and a 1st place investigative award from @nnaonline.)

stories.usatodaynetwork.com/homelessonthes…

A few weeks later, as dialogue was building, a historic 14-day cold snap hit, endangering countless folks. The Seacoast’s 1st-ever emergency walk-in shelter was opened. @smgphoto and I reported there nearly every day. Here’s the Jan. 2018 day it ended.

fosters.com/news/20180111/…

The Tri-Cities soon after launched a regional task force to develop a master plan on sheltering, housing and other things to address shortcomings and solutions. Agencies from throughout the Seacoast contributed. Here’s when the plan started to take shape:

fosters.com/news/20180914/…

A lot happened after that and there was a lot of reporting (often several stories a week involving #homelessness, its factors, effects and solutions) leading up to the plan’s unveiling and acceptance in 2019.

fosters.com/news/20190417/…

These processes unfolded as locals and officials worked to address different issues pertaining to homelessness.

As you might expect, there were clashes along the way and calls that the communities weren’t doing enough.

fosters.com/news/20180720/…

All the while, the need for assistance continued - and not just during cold weather months.

fosters.com/news/20191202/…

The county did step in at various points in 2018 and 2019 to help the cities provide low-barrier emergency cold weather sheltering.

fosters.com/news/20190131/…

Community calls for more persisted.

fosters.com/news/20191114/…

.@CityofDoverNH, @RochesterNHGov, @Somersworth_NH and #PortsmouthNH later created opportunities for private entities like churches to temporarily operate overnight shelters to help meet locals’ needs.

fosters.com/news/20191213/…

This strategy was one of many the region applied for the first time based on solution efforts enacted elsewhere, much to the appreciation of sheltered folks @smgphoto and I interviewed at these temporary spots.

Here’s another “borrowed” solution effort:

fosters.com/news/20200122/…

Stakeholders knew expanding temporary sheltering/loosening zoning on sheltering was a temporary measure and that more concerted solutions and work is needed.

fosters.com/news/20191203/…

...As did community members, including the folks who placed body bags outside @CityofDoverNH City Hall as part of a protest and call for action.

fosters.com/news/20191118/…

Countless people and groups have stepped up to enact change as well as try and incentivize and recruit others around key issues. One example is an ongoing push to reverse the downward trend of landlords who accept the different housing assistance vouchers.
fosters.com/news/20190612/…

As we continued our detailed reporting, we also highlighted smaller acts and folks making a difference. We did so to further understanding of the intensely unique nature of individuals’ struggles and the chain of compassion snowballing through the area.

fosters.com/news/20190329/…

There were some big happenings like this along the way, like a Rochester couple gifting land and $100,000 to help build a new, larger traditional shelter in Rochester in 2019.

fosters.com/news/20190609/…

There was optimism around some big solution efforts...

fosters.com/news/20191121/…

...that sometimes resulted in disappointment.

This particular effort is ongoing, and there is a glimmer of hope I will report on soon.

fosters.com/news/20191205/…

#COVID19 hit after the @PressNH contest period (2019 calendar year) ended. It has had a profound impact on houseless folks. It has maxed out shelters and significantly grown local tent cities, couchsurfing and people sleeping in cars.

fosters.com/news/20200323/…

#COVID19 has also led the state and region to take special steps, like using local hotels for overflow and quarantine sheltering beyond what is typically done.

fosters.com/news/20200502/…

A wave of evictions are looming for many. Experts are concerned because of the profound impact even the smallest black mark can make in how tenants’ records have been handled on the Seacoast back before the #COVID19 pandemic.

Another concern: fosters.com/news/20200324/…

Not all property managers have handled #COVID19 and the Seacoast’s #housing crunch in this way.

fosters.com/news/20200317/…

Thanks the work of local orgs and local generosity, the #COVID19 pandemic has also fortunately brought more attention and assistance to some houseless folks who really struggled before it, including the couple highlighted in a preceding story/tweet.

fosters.com/news/20200725/…

Again, this is a really small sampling of the coverage @smgphoto and I have done over the years. Other reporters, like @hbarndollar, have produced great reporting on #homelessness, too.

Other stories can be found by plugging keywords into our archives or a Google site search.

I hope this year’s @PressNH award (and our other recognition to date and in the future) helps bring not only new attention to #NH #homelessness, but also deep understanding and solution efforts to help people.

This is why we apply for awards like this - not for personal glory.

https://twitter.com/KyleStucker/status/1293880179614519299

Thread addition: After landlord forums and much work, a Seacoast coalition has won a $75,000 grant to help support a new #affordablehousing landlord incentive program projected to yield 30 new units in its first year. @FostersDailyDem @seacoastonline

fosters.com/news/20200825/…

“This solution goes right to the source of the housing market and creates a slate of incentives, both financial & programmatic, that might tip someone to take less rent in order to help a community.” @FostersDailyDem @seacoastonline #NH #housing #homeless
fosters.com/news/20200825/…

Thread addition: Here's the latest on efforts to create a 24/7 walk-in #homeless shelter. Still plenty of work to go, but local officials are thrilled because they've long said location has been the primary hurdle. @FostersDailyDem @seacoastonline

fosters.com/news/20200924/…

Thread addition: A plan to open a temporary low-barrier #homeless shelter this winter at the old Care Pharmacy building in Rochester has been called off by local leaders, though they said they will announce an alternative location soon.

fosters.com/news/20201006/…

Update: Here's a sub-thread on @WaypointNH's plans to open the Seacoast's first drop-in center for #homeless youth. Youth #homelessness was spiking before #COVID19; the alarming data and the number of invisible kids has only grown since.

@FostersDailyDem

https://twitter.com/KyleStucker/status/1315658749600845824?s=20

As #COVID19 continues, experts are concerned about how it'll influence spikes in Seacoast rent (up almost 30% over 5 years) and the fact that housing stock availability is 1/5 or 1/6 of what it would be in a healthy market.

(Story by @hbarndollar and I.)

fosters.com/news/20201015/…

The incentive program, which is now available, seeks to grow the Seacoast’s inventory of affordable #housing through various financial supports and other things landlords have asked for.

@FostersDailyDem @seacoastonline @NHHFA #NH #housing #homelessness

fosters.com/story/news/loc…

Inspired by the popular Kindness Cabinet in Farmington, Allies United's new take-what-you-need food and supply cabinet in downtown @RochesterNHGov seeks to bolster resources for #homeless and food-insecure adults and youth.

@FostersDailyDem @smgphoto

fosters.com/story/news/loc…

#COVID19 has made the Seacoast's #housing/#homelessness crises worse, but there has been an unexpected bright spot: It's caused a wave of landlords to participate in voucher programs for the first time. Here's why:

@FostersDailyDem @seacoastonline #NH

fosters.com/story/news/202…

Happy to share this awesome story about a developer donating one of her lots to a vet this #VeteransDay2020. She and locals hope others will follow because it would go a long way in easing #NH's #housing and #homelessness crises.

@FostersDailyDem @SENHH4H
fosters.com/story/news/202…

Here’s my story and @smgphoto’s gallery on the #VeteransDay dedication of @Somersworth_NH’s new Veterans Park, during which the Tri-Cities also signed on to the statewide challenge to end vet #homelessness.

@FostersDailyDem @CityofDoverNH @RochesterNHGov
fosters.com/story/news/loc…

Officials expect it won't take long to fill the rooms they're using for an emergency shelter from today (Nov. 16) through April 15. That's why they say more #housing is desperately needed.

@FostersDailyDem @CityofDoverNH @RochesterNHGov @Somersworth_NH

fosters.com/story/news/202…

This week is National Hunger and #Homelessness Awareness Week.

I didn't time this story specifically for that reason, but awareness and kindness do continue to be challenges in local #housing efforts, as shown through these comments on the story.

@FostersDailyDem

The Rochester Runners Club Free Fall 5K will be held virtually on Thanksgiving due to #COVID19, but thanks to the change in format people in 47 states are helping them raise money to benefit entities fighting #homelessness and #hunger. @FostersDailyDem
fosters.com/story/news/202…

NEW: Responding to pleas from mayors, @GovChrisSununu revamps the state’s #homelessness council and orders update to 14-year-old state plan because he believes the state does has a "moral imperative" to do more. @FostersDailyDem @seacoastonline #NHPolitics
fosters.com/story/news/sta…

Home For All's new incentive program is halfway to its #affordablehousing goal 1 month in thanks to landlords like this couple. The couple's trying to do good, reminded of the crisis by things like getting 300 inquires for 1 unit in 19hrs. @FostersDailyDem
fosters.com/story/news/loc…

.@CityofDoverNH, @RochesterNHGov, @Somersworth_NH and Strafford County are once again partnering to provide regional, low-barrier emergency overnight warming centers during extreme cold weather this winter.

@FostersDailyDem #COVID19 #homelessness

fosters.com/story/news/loc…

Big NH #homelessness/#COVID19 news: Through multiple grants, the Tri-Cities' facility will run 24/7 from about Dec. 14-31, then for up to 60 nights of cold weather emergencies in 2021.

@FostersDailyDem @CityofDoverNH @Somersworth_NH @RochesterNHGov @NHHFA
fosters.com/story/news/loc…

#NH #evictions are already rising to pre-#COVID19 levels before the federal nonpayment moratorium expires Dec. 31.

Renters struggling with those legal evictions are worried what the end of the moratorium will do to thousands of others.

@FostersDailyDem
fosters.com/story/news/loc…

(1/ ) To explain that: The federal moratorium only protects against being evicted for missing rent payments. Renovation and building sales evictions are really high right now, though some NH judges are applying the moratorium more broadly to protect renters. @FostersDailyDem

(2/ ) The fear is not only that a wave of landlords will file for nonpayment evictions day 1 — which will happen, if landlords on local Facebook pages follow through with the claims I've seen.

It's that NH can't accommodate a flood of tenants with evictions on their records.

(3/ ) NH was short on affordable housing before COVID-19, which has gotten worse since. Evictions have long been a figurative death sentence for many renters' housing prospects, given that they're going up against dozens of people with perfect histories.

(4/ ) It's setting a scary stage, according to folks like Jessica Marino. "I can’t imagine if the state actually allows landlords to evict all these families. There is nothing out there."

@FostersDailyDem @seacoastonline

fosters.com/story/news/loc…

(5/ ) Expect a deeper look soon at Marino's situation, shown here in a small snapshot. Also expect a story digging into how tenants and landlords each feel eviction cases are being decided subjectively right now as the cliff approaches. @FostersDailyDem fosters.com/story/news/loc…

@CityofDoverNH, @RochesterNHGov and @Somersworth_NH's new $1M emergency walk-in center was going to open Dec. 20, but it's been moved up due to Wednesday's storm.

Here's how the center will operate. @FostersDailyDem @seacoastonline #NH #homelessness
fosters.com/story/news/loc…

15 minutes until @CityofDoverNH, @Somersworth_NH and @RochesterNHGov’s new $1M emergency overnight warming center opens for the first time at 30 Willand Drive in Somersworth.

It’s 23 degrees now, ahead of the snow and nor’easter.

@FostersDailyDem @seacoastonline #homelessness

Center officials expect around 40 people tonight due to the cold and snow. Setup is ongoing as they prepare for folks to arrive.

Dinner tonight is being purchased from Old Rail Pizza in @Somersworth_NH.

@FostersDailyDem @seacoastonline @smgphoto

Beds are a mix of cots and bunk beds. I’m sharing this mid-setup shot of the second floor, the sleeping area, now because we won’t have access to it once people are up there. @FostersDailyDem @seacoastonline @smgphoto

The first people have arrived at the emergency warming center. Live tweets about the center will likely be limited in this thread from here on out. @FostersDailyDem

More details on what’s being provided:

fosters.com/story/news/loc…

Because of the nor’easter, the Tri-Cities have decided to keep the emergency overnight warming center open all day today. This is because @StraffordCAP’s day program is closed today. @FostersDailyDem @seacoastonline

@CityofDoverNH @RochesterNHGov @Somersworth_NH

“This is doing nothing but stopping them from dying."

While people welcome the reprieve offered at the Tri-Cites' new emergency warming center, they say it also serves as a reminder of all the things it isn't.

Our look inside on night 1. @FostersDailyDem
fosters.com/story/news/loc…

Last week I explored impacts of #NH’s spiking evictions. Here, why they are despite the nonpayment ban.

Eviction attorney: “health & safety works so what we’re all doing now is trying to couch our evictions”@FostersDailyDem @seacoastonline @NHJustice4All
fosters.com/story/news/loc…

ICYMI: @CityofDoverNH, @RochesterNHGov and @Somersworth_NH's emergency warming center is reactivating this weekend, its first 2021 operation.

@FostersDailyDem @seacoastonline #homelessness

fosters.com/story/news/loc…

#BREAKING: The Tri-Cities' emergency warming center is reopening, but @CityofDoverNH will oversee it after a threat of violence and conflicting views on the operational model leads county health officials to pull out.

@FostersDailyDem #NH #homelessness

fosters.com/story/news/loc…

Read through this story on the latest 4-night warming center activation. It includes details about funding now that a threat has led the county to step back from overseeing it.

@FostersDailyDem #homelessness @CityofDoverNH @RochesterNHGov @Somersworth_NH
fosters.com/story/news/loc…

As an addendum to the above tweet, I anticipate additional stories in the near future that get into a little more detail on the warming center/building's future.

@FostersDailyDem @seacoastonline @CityofDoverNH @RochesterNHGov @Somersworth_NH #homelessness

While public uncertainty about the Tri-Cities' warming center has accumulated along with winter weather, the mayors "guarantee" it isn’t going away & that life-threatening cold will be used as the primary trigger.

“Period. End of story.”
@FostersDailyDem
fosters.com/story/news/loc…

While I'm unable to get over @CityofDoverNH, @Somersworth_NH & @RochesterNHGov's warming center today, I still felt it important to put together this short story to let the community know folks weren't turned out into the storm today.

@FostersDailyDem

fosters.com/story/news/loc…

.@Somersworth_NH is seeing "impossible" record-high #housing permits, after years of feeling bypassed by the Seacoast's growth. Here's a deep dive on what's happening, which is different in notable ways from cities like Dover & Portsmouth. @FostersDailyDem
fosters.com/story/news/loc…

“It all started with an amazing gift, and the community has just kept giving."

Strong support is helping keep the construction of the new Home For Now shelter in @RochesterNHGov on track for March, despite #COVID19 upping its $1M cost.

@FostersDailyDem

fosters.com/story/news/loc…

Wonder what life on the Seacoast's streets is like amid COVID, the cold & predatory threats while rotating 1 week in & 1 week out of the Garrison emergency shelter?

This lengthy piece looks at that journey through Meaghan Gagnon's eyes. @FostersDailyDem

fosters.com/story/news/loc…

If you're so inclined, I'd encourage you to check out Meaghan's self-published book of poetry here: amazon.com/Dear-Bastards-…

It gives more insight into who she is than I could ever hope to, even in a 2,350-word news story like this. @seacoastonline
fosters.com/story/news/loc…

As an update for those looking to help, Meaghan says:

1. Donate to @StraffordCAP in her name, to help them in their mission because they do a lot for her;
2. Anything sent to her PayPal she'll use toward apartment application fees and first month's rent: paypal.me/meaghanx

.@RochesterNHGov welfare director on #NH's new #COVID19 rental relief program: "The knowledge additional relief is in sight should ease anxieties, as we inch forward and out of this shared crisis."

@FostersDailyDem @seacoastonline @GovChrisSununu #housing
fosters.com/story/news/loc…

The Willand Drive overnight warming center (@CityofDoverNH, @RochesterNHGov and @Somersworth_NH's joint emergency facility) will operate again Monday, March 1, and Tuesday, March 2.

@FostersDailyDem #houselessness #COVID19
fosters.com/story/news/loc…

Huge news: Remember @WaypointNH’s efforts to open the Seacoast’s first-ever drop-in center for #houseless youth?

They have a location in @RochesterNHGov and are eying a fall opening.

@FostersDailyDem @seacoastonline @CityofDoverNH @Somersworth_NH

fosters.com/story/news/loc…

.@CityofDoverNH, @RochesterNHGov and @Somersworth_NH's Willand Drive emergency overnight warming center will be open again March 4-7, per this joint release from the Tri-Cities.

@FostersDailyDem @seacoastonline

Someone here asked about why I've been using #houselessness instead of #homelessness in my housing stories for some time. Here's what I just added to this week's @WaypointNH story and will include from time to time more frequently for folks. @FostersDailyDem @seacoastonline

Not directly included in this explanation of #homelessness' misleading nature is it's a term that many heavily stigmatize. It therefore perpetuates false images and stereotypes about individuals that can hold back assistance and solution efforts. @FostersDailyDem @seacoastonline

@threadreaderapp unroll please