The weekend conference included workshops on topics such as team building and how to run a successful meeting. In addition, CLI members were charged with identifying one key issue that was affecting their own community, and to develop an Action Plan to address that issue.
The community issue the CLI Team decided to focus on is the increased stress for CATCH residents due to growing financial pressures, as well as the lack of sense of community. Upon returning to NH, this team of residents got to work creating an Action Plan to address these two issues. The Resident Empowerment and Assistance Program is a direct result of that work.
Program Overview
REAP is a resident driven program which serves as a safety net for CATCH residents by providing opportunities to collectively solve the social and financial stress they may face. REAP has two separate yet interconnected pieces, each focused on addressing the issues identified by the CLI team as of most concern in their community.
Start-up money for this program was received from NeighborWorks America© and through CATCH staff donations. TD Banknorth provided generous support through a $5000 grant designated specifically to the REAP fund and resident-led fundraisers have also generated money to benefit REAP.
The REAP Grant Fund: This new fund is designed as a safety net for CATCH residents who experience the temporary inability to meet minimum monthly obligations for rent and utilities due to circumstances beyond their control (missed days at work due to illness, unexpected car repair, higher than anticipated utility costs).
If you are a current CATCH resident and would like to request a REAP Grant or would like more information, contact Jennifer Hawkins at (603) 225-8835 extension
124 or e-mail jhawkins@catchhousing.org.
Residents may also download a REAP Grant Request Packet and mail completed forms to:
CATCH Neighborhood Housing
76 South State Street
Concord, NH 03301
Attn: REAP Coordinator
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