Advancing Housing Stability and Equity in the Monadnock Region
The Monadnock Housing Collaborative (MHC) is a multi-sector initiative facilitated by the Monadnock United Way, Southwestern Regional Planning Commission and the Monadnock Interfaith Project. Building upon the foundation of the Monadnock Resource Alliance , the MHC is committed to fostering strategic partnerships, aligning policy advocacy, and advancing housing solutions to address the region’s growing housing crisis—while honoring the rural character of our communities.
Our vision is simple: to create housing opportunities for everyone in the Monadnock Region.
A Community-Driven Approach to Housing Stability
Housing instability in the Monadnock Region is a complex, systemic issue with far-reaching consequences. One critical indicator: In 2022, the rental housing availability rate in Cheshire County was just 0.6%—far below the healthy market benchmark of 5%. This scarcity contributes to rising housing costs, displacement, and increased homelessness, with many residents forced to couch surf, move frequently, or allocate a disproportionate share of their income to housing.
The impact extends beyond housing itself. The stress of housing insecurity affects overall health and well-being, especially for children, whose growth, learning, and long-term health outcomes are profoundly shaped by their living conditions.
Special Announcement: NH Housing Incubator Grant Awarded to MHC
We are excited to announce that the Monadnock Housing Collaborative has been awarded an Incubator Grant from NH Housing to further its work in addressing the regional housing crisis.
This grant will enable MHC to:
- Expand Outreach and Engagement: Hire a dedicated Program Manager to lead strategic community engagement and amplify policy advocacy efforts.
- Strengthen Strategic Frameworks: Build a robust network of community advocates already working across the region, giving a collective voice to housing-related priorities.
- Document Regional Initiatives: Develop a comprehensive report of housing-related community activities to inform future policy and advocacy initiatives.
- Foster Collaborative Action: Convene diverse stakeholders to identify actionable solutions that advance affordable and workforce housing throughout the Monadnock Region.
Stay tuned for updates as we roll out these initiatives and continue working to expand housing opportunities for all residents.
From Convening to Coordinating: MHC’s Role in Housing Solutions
The MHC is more than a coalition — it is a coordinated effort to bring diverse stakeholders to the table, overcome silos, and foster strategic action to expand housing opportunities throughout the Monadnock Region. In every step, we are committed to honoring the rural character of our communities while meeting urgent housing needs.
MHC’s network includes nonprofits, businesses, government entities, economic development leaders, faith-based organizations, and community advocates. This collective approach enables MHC to address housing issues from multiple angles, from advocating for zoning reforms to supporting affordable housing development and amplifying community voices in policy discussions.
Areas of Focus
As MHC moves forward, the focus will be on:
- Planning & Policy: Supporting municipal planning boards, promoting adaptive reuse of existing structures, and engaging in state-level policy advocacy.
- Communications and Public Awareness: Amplifying public understanding of the housing crisis through data-driven storytelling, workshops, and community dialogues.
- Entrepreneurship and Housing Solutions: Cultivating partnerships with local employers, developers, and community organizations to pilot innovative housing models and foster new development.
MHC Participating Organizations & Individuals:
- Bensonwood*
- Center for Population Health at Cheshire Medical Center
- Cheshire County*
- Cheshire Medical Center*
- Chris Freeman, Entrepreneur/Developer*
- City of Keene*
- Community Action Partnership Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties
- Denise Thomas, Realtor, BHG The Masiello Group*
- Denise Whitney, Realtor, BHG The Masiello Group *
- Ed Tomey, Community Member
- Greater Monadnock Collaborative*
- Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship
- Hundred Nights*
- Joan Murphy, Community Member
- Jodi Newell, NH State Representative*
- Keene Housing*
- Keene State College*
- Ken Kost, Community Member
- Maich Gardner, Community Member
- Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention*
- Monadnock Community Hospital*
- Monadnock Conservancy*
- Monadnock Economic Development Corporation*
- Monadnock Habitat for Humanities*
- Monadnock Interfaith Project*
- Monadnock United Way*
- New Hampshire Housing*
- Peterborough Economic Development Authority
- Savings Bank of Walpole*
- Southwest Regional Planning Commission*
- Southwestern Community Services*
- Sue Chollet, Community Member*
- The Community Kitchen
- The Melanson Company*
*Advisory Council Member
If you are interested in becoming involved in the MHC efforts, please reach out to Lisa Barrett, Operations Specialist, and we will follow-up with you.