After reading the July 11 article about Warner’s Housing project, I felt compelled to respond. There was one Warner resident who repeatedly prefaced her comments as though she was speaking for most Warner residents: “Most people don’t want this” or CATCH won’t “take no for any answer. We don’t want you.”
I speak for myself in saying that I fully support the 34-unit CATCH housing project planned for the Exit 9 area. This article also noted that a resident during a Hearing last year stated this project would damage “the spirit of Warner.” As a 50-year resident, I believe “the spirit of Warner” means a community that supports one another rather than closing the door to those who may need some assistance.
Last year, I attended Warner’s Public Hearing where representatives from the Concord Area Trust for Community Housing reviewed the project and, more recently, I’ve spent time researching this issue with an emphasis on exactly “who” CATCH is. I believe it’s imperative to know if this is a carefully coordinated housing construction project or a private for-profit company trying to make a quick buck.
What I found out is that CATCH is a 37-year-old nonprofit organization with an excellent reputation. They must follow federal Housing and Urban Development standards including who may apply for housing, how potential renters are screened and how the housing units are maintained. Interested parties must complete an extensive application that includes showing financial proof for meeting their monthly rent along with passing a criminal background check. Of note, only one applicant out of ten meets the criteria to be approved! CATCH also has property managers who oversee each of their housing communities.
There are many benefits for this affordable housing project. Warner, like most New Hampshire towns, has a large elderly population. We need to attract and maintain our younger population if Warner is to continue to grow and prosper. My research shows that over 50% of CATCH renters are under 45 years old and include many people that we need in our communities; they include teachers, firemen, policemen and those working in the service industry. Many are just starting out in their careers but simply cannot afford an apartment let alone a house. They are not poor. They are not the so-called dregs of society. They are not drug addicts or criminals. They are simply human beings who cannot afford one or two-bedroom apartments costing over $2,000 per month.
Additionally, CATCH stats show that 17% of their clients are under 17 years old. This is our most vulnerable population that we can help by providing an excellent public education and other resources within our town. We actually need more children enrolled at Simonds Elementary School as the school may be on the chopping block in the near future due to fewer students attending.
Also, CATCH renters include approximately 18% of people over 65 years old who are accepted because they show their savings plus social security checks can cover their monthly rent. It’s important to note that the average length of residency at a CATCH housing community is five and a half years, meaning that most people will move on to their own housing ownership once they have earned enough money to make it on their own. In other words, CATCH housing is a much needed stepping stone.
Most people would agree that the lack of affordable housing has now become a crisis situation in New Hampshire and beyond. I am saddened to think that some residents may feel that since they already have their own house or apartment, it’s up to others to find their own way. In other words, they don’t think it’s up to them to help those who are in need.
The people who are fortunate enough to have been approved by CATCH are not looking for a “hand-out” — but rather an affordable living arrangement that will allow them to prosper in their lives. When Warner residents welcome these people into our town, it’s very likely that many will want to contribute to what makes our town so special.
Sara McNeil lives in Warner.
