Manchester Board of Aldermen Backs Mayor's Homelessness Strategy

MANCHESTER, NH — The Board of Aldermen recently approved Mayor Jay Ruais' funding and operational plan for addressing homelessness in the city.

The plan aims to strengthen the city's response, support vulnerable residents, and transition from emergency responses to a stable and fiscally responsible service system. The approved plan utilizes Opioid Abatement funds, federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars, charitable gaming revenues, and American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds. These funds will support the aged and infirmed shelter, winter warming services, coordinated outreach, and housing stabilization efforts.

Ruais stated that the city is observing measurable progress.

"This plan reflects a shift away from reactive, short-term emergency responses toward a more sustainable system that supports our most vulnerable residents while protecting our community," Ruais said.

He added, "We are making progress, but we know there is still more work to do."

During the past two years, encampments in the city have declined by 22.3 percent. Winter warming utilization has decreased, and overdoses and overdose fatalities have fallen to their lowest recorded levels. According to the mayor, 103 previously homeless veterans and 90 additional individuals have secured housing. Furthermore, 51 individuals have entered detoxification or rehabilitation programs, and 29 individuals have obtained employment.

The city's strategy has focused on addressing root causes while maintaining public safety.

"Since 2024, we have taken important, comprehensive steps like banning public camping, increasing police presence in hot spot areas, and strengthening coordination with service providers," Ruais said. "Those actions, combined with housing and treatment pathways, are helping address homelessness and improve quality of life in Manchester for businesses, residents, and visitors."

This plan is also designed to reduce reliance on costly emergency hotel placements. It seeks to establish a predictable shelter model with integrated services to create operational stability and reduce long-term financial pressure on the city. Manchester has reduced shelter capacity to focus resources on vulnerable residents, lowering costs and eliminating operational inefficiencies while expanding coordinated outreach. The approval allows the city to permanently co-locate services on site, aiming to reduce barriers to access.

Ruais thanked the board for their partnership. He also recognized Chief Ryan Cashin of the Manchester Fire Department, Owen Love, the director of Homelessness Initiatives, and various city departments for their roles in serving those in need and protecting the city.