Manchester, NH Renovation projects at two facilities owned and operated by Families in Transition-New Horizons (FIT-NH), made possible by funds received through the CARES Act, received Certificates of Occupancy on December 22, 2020 and Certificates of Completion on December 30, 2020.
The renovations, completed by North Branch Construction, will allow FIT-NH to respond more effectively to operational limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and provide assistance for food insecurity and homelessness in the future.
Dennis Mires, P.A., The Architects was the architectural design firm for the project.
The project included moving the organization’s food pantry from 199 Manchester St. to a new property located at 176 Lake Ave. across the street from the organization’s Family Emergency Shelter located at 177 Lake Ave. Renovations at the new Lake Ave. location included major structural improvements, asbestos abatement, roof replacement, new gas service, new 3-phase electrical service, and two new RTU systems, installation of new security, fire alarm, and LED lighting systems, bathroom renovations to ensure ADA compliance, relocation of a walk-in cooler and freezer from the organization’s 199 Manchester St. location, and addition of an ADA compliant ramp at the entrance.
The former food pantry area at the 199 Manchester St. location was renovated to create additional sleeping quarters for individuals experiencing homelessness. Renovations included selective demolition of walls and offices and reframing new partition walls. Installation of new LED lighting, upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, as well as the HVAC system and painting.
“It was very rewarding to work on these two facilities that are making an immediate and positive impact on our community, said Joseph Campbell, North Branch president. “Individuals and families struggling with food insecurity are able to visit the Lake Avenue food pantry for assistance, and forty people experiencing homelessness on another cold winter night, now have a safe and warm place to sleep tonight in the adult emergency shelter. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the dedicated team that worked so hard on these important projects for FIT-NH and those within our community that need these services the most.”
Families in Transition-New Horizons (FIT-NH) provides hunger relief, emergency shelter, safe affordable housing, and supportive services to individuals and families who are homeless or in need, enabling them to gain self-sufficiency and respect.
Photo Caption: FIT-New Horizon facility at 199 Manchester Street, Manchester, NH.