NASHUA – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D–NH) joined Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess Friday for a tour of Spring Street, which will house the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter.

The former Sacred Heart Elementary School is currently undergoing extensive renovations and rehabilitation. This has been despite the severe economic and political pressures imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sen. Shaheen provided $900,000. He noted the increasing need for community organizations.

“The pandemic worsened housing insecurity and these effects are still being felt across New Hampshire by families. Sen. Shaheen stated in writing that he helped secure $900,000

“The Nashua area has a dire need for shelter and supportive services. I am grateful for the vital work NSKS does to help vulnerable Granite Staters.”

The NSKS has been serving Greater Nashua ever since 1981. It is located at 2 Quincy St. (formerly the home of Veterans of Foreign Wars). The Roman Catholic Diocese owns the Spring St. building and leases it to the NSKS at $1 per year.

The NSKS will be able move all its operations to Spring St. once it is ready with its four floors, 20,000 square feet.

The center will include a 48-bed family shelter and an 18-bed shelter to single men. There will also be a shelter for single women that houses 14 people. 11 studio apartments are available for permanent, supportive housing.

Two large classrooms and equipment for doctors in-house.

The NSKS provides food, clothing, and toiletries in addition to providing meals and a food pantry. They also assist with finding employment and educational opportunities and navigating the path towards public assistance.

You can make donations to all the programs at nsks.org. Call 603-889-7770 for more information.