Bank of New Hampshire Donates $5,000 to CATCH's Eastern Avenue Project
- May 11
- 4 min read
Laconia, New Hampshire...The rental vacancy rate in Merrimack County, New Hampshire remains below 1%, while median gross rents have risen to approximately $2,000 per month. This housing shortage disproportionately impacts low-to-moderate income families, particularly individuals with developmental disabilities, who face limited access to affordable, supportive housing.
To help address this need, CATCH, in partnership with Community Bridges, is investing in the redevelopment of a building on Eastern Avenue in Concord. Bank of New Hampshire is proud to support this effort with a $5,000 donation to fund engineering assessments as part of the project’s predevelopment phase.
“We are pleased to support CATCH in helping address the shortage of affordable housing options for low- to moderate-income individuals with developmental disabilities,” said Ally Wendelken, AVP – CRA & Assistant Compliance Officer at Bank of New Hampshire. “Affordable housing remains a key focus of our charitable giving, as the need for accessible housing continues to grow.”
Upon completion of predevelopment work, and once city approvals are confirmed, CATCH will move forward with securing funding to transform the Eastern Avenue property into what is proposed to be a modern, two-story, accessible 14,768-square foot residential building. The development will include 16 one-bedroom apartments for residents and two additional units for on-site Direct Support Professionals.
“We appreciate Bank of New Hampshire’s support of our Eastern Avenue project,” said Tom Furtado, CATCH President and CEO. “Every dollar invested in predevelopment brings us closer to securing the resources needed to make this critical housing a reality for these underserved New Hampshire residents.”
About CATCH Neighborhood Housing:
Founded in 1989, CATCH Neighborhood Housing has been a chartered member of NeighborWorks America since 1999. CATCH offers a full spectrum of housing and education services in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, and meets the needs of the communities it serves by constructing new affordable housing units and revitalizing existing housing in an area where affordable rental options are limited. Since 1989, CATCH has expanded its real estate portfolio to include more than 425 affordable workforce housing units in Concord, Penacook, Bow, and Franklin, New Hampshire. These units serve approximately 1,100 seniors, adults, and children per year.
In order to better meet the needs of its residents and ensure the proper maintenance and professional management of its rental properties, while also providing a source of sustainable funding for the organization, in 2013 CATCH created Alliance Asset Management, a property and asset management company specializing in affordable housing regulations and associated financial services.
In 2014, in partnership with NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire and Lakes Region Community Developers, CATCH collaborated to provide homeownership and financial education services through HOMEteam. This innovative partnership organization serves the entirety of Merrimack, Hillsborough, Belknap, and Rockingham Counties, providing New Hampshire's residents access to first-time homebuyer education seminars as well as financial fitness courses and mortgage counseling.
CATCH Neighborhood Housing is located at 105 Loudon Rd, in Concord, New Hampshire. For further information about the organization, please call 603-225-8835 or visit our website at www.CatchHousing.org.
About Community Bridges:
Community Bridges, established in 1982, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the integration, growth, and interdependence of individuals with developmental disabilities within their communities. We build on the strengths of individuals and their families by identifying access barriers and developing creative solutions to encourage meaningful community engagement.
Community Bridges offers a diverse range of personalized services to meet the needs of those they serve throughout their lives.
Their services include, but are not limited to, service coordination, early supports and services, family or self-directed services, and community choices, their provider program, which offers services for adults, including shared and staffed homes, as well as community-based activities and employment support.
Community Bridges is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, which includes individuals living with disabilities and family members of those with disabilities. This ensures a valuable perspective and understanding of the families they support. Additionally, their Family Support Council comprising family members with loved ones who have disabilities, plays a crucial role in advocacy and advisory efforts.
About Bank of New Hampshire:
Founded in 1831, Bank of New Hampshire is the oldest and one of the largest independent banks headquartered in the state. With assets exceeding $2.5 billion and 21 banking offices across New Hampshire and southern Maine, the bank provides comprehensive deposit, lending and wealth management solutions for families and businesses. As a mutual organization, Bank of New Hampshire is focused on the success of its customers, communities and employees—rather than stockholders. With a legacy of strength and stability, the bank combines local decision-making and trusted guidance with modern technology to deliver a seamless banking experience. For more information, call 1.800.832.0912 or visit BNH.Bank.
For More Information about this press release contact:
Dawn Beers, Marketing Officer, Bank of New Hampshire
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