The City is proud to partner with our local social services agencies. Take a moment to recognize some of the programs that the Portsmouth Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program supports.

From Our Partners:

• Operation Blessing We are thankful to CDBG for all they have done to make the Greenleaf Rec Center a safer place for those we serve. CDBG helped to winterize, update and repair the doors which will ensure safe usage and lower the cost of heating in the gym area.  The lights in the Rec were also upgraded to LED lighting which are more energy efficient.  At our main building, we are on the last leg of our renovation project to the temporary emergency Warming/Cooling Center and look forward to being able to offer emergency housing as well as showers to those in need.

• HAVEN works to prevent sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking, and to support and empower all women, men, non-binary and transgender adults, youth, and families to heal from abuse and rebuild their lives. Due to the support from Portsmouth CDBG, HAVEN has been able to support survivors on their path to healing and independence.  Our short-term emergency shelter helps to provide people and their families with a safe and supportive environment. HAVEN also has a housing program to support survivors actively fleeing domestic violence find safe, affordable housing and paths to independence as well as offers prevention education to schools K-12, a 24/7 hotline, and in-person advocacy.
• Seacoast Community School With the help of CDBG, we are able to better reach our mission to provide nurturing care and exceptional education for all children of the Seacoast. CDBG allows us to award additional scholarships to low-income families in the community which allows more families in our community the ability to access high quality early childhood education. In 2022 alone, CDBG provided the funds needed to support 12 of our low-income families. We look forward to our continuing partnership with CDBG.
• Cross Roads House CDBG Portsmouth funding has been a tremendous help to Cross Roads House this past fiscal year. While our facility is only 14 years old chronologically, it is under constant use as we serve our homeless community 24/7/365. In 2022, we needed to replace the roof across our entire facility to which CDBG awarded $158,000. Additionally, this project revealed external infrastructure damage to one of our main staircases due to roof leaks. Portsmouth CDBG came through again, in FY23, with $50,000 to make that repair. We thank Portsmouth Community Development and the CDBG program for helping us to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our residents. – Wildolfo Arvelo, Executive Director
• Greater Seacoast Community Heath Families First Access to oral health care in New Hampshire is particularly challenging for low-income adults. The cost of oral health care is often cited as a barrier for many adults, even those with dental insurance coverage. Greater Seacoast Community Health (GSCH) services are open to everyone regardless of circumstances or ability to pay. The City of Portsmouth’s CDBG funding directly supports GSCH’s dental center in Portsmouth, helping to ensure that patients who otherwise would not have access to affordable dental care will benefit from regular preventive and restorative care in a dental home.
• AIDS Response Seacoast ARS is grateful for Portsmouth CDBG funding which helps support our medical case management program. ARS provides help with complicated medical, benefit and psychosocial support. We also assist with housing, transportation, and access to food. CDBG funding helps us to provide comprehensive services the increase the quality of life for our local citizens living with HIV.
• Rockingham Community Action (Portsmouth Emergency Housing Program) facilitates the NH Emergency Rental Program to help support households with short-term rental assistance funded in part by Portsmouth CDBG Program.
• Portsmouth Housing Authority is a collaborative partner with the City's CDBG Public Services Agency Grant Program which provides funding for after school programming for youth from low-moderate income families.

We're in this together! Our Community Development Staff would like to share their song list:

 With a Little Help from My Friends: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C58ttB2-Qg

You’ve Got a Friend in Me (Toy Story): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNZUKm0ApEM

We’re Going to be Friends: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKfD8d3XJok

We are Family: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdsqht1m1rE

Lean on Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOZ-MySzAac

                       The Weight (Take a load off Annie): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFqb1I-hiHE

                                                                  Walking on Sunshine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPUmE-tne5U