KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Monadnock United Way is seeking to raise $1.525 million by the end of 2026 to sustain programs serving residents across the Monadnock Region, with its annual campaign supporting initiatives ranging from housing security to food assistance and services for children and families.

Director Liz LaRose discussed the campaign, the organization’s regional partnerships and upcoming community initiatives during an appearance Wednesday on WKBK Radio’s Good Morning with Dan Mitchell. Scott Brown, a branch manager at Mascoma Bank and one of this year’s campaign co-chairs, also joined the conversation.

The campaign officially launched in late September with the organization’s largest kickoff event to date. LaRose said 110 people attended the gathering at Keene Country Club, which was sponsored by Savings Bank of Walpole and included a discussion about housing needs and the work of the Monadnock Housing Collaborative.

The $1.5 million goal represents an increase of nearly $185,000 over the amount raised during last year’s campaign.

LaRose emphasized that contributions of any size help sustain the organization’s work throughout the region.

“Every single one of those dollars makes a difference,” she said, explaining that donations remain local and support more than 30 programs working to address community needs.

Housing remains a regional priority

One of the major topics at this year’s campaign kickoff was housing affordability and availability, an issue LaRose said has become increasingly urgent for local service providers.

Through the Monadnock Housing Collaborative, Monadnock United Way brings together organizations and community partners to identify housing challenges and develop solutions. The initiative grew out of concerns from providers working with people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.

LaRose said service providers have found it increasingly difficult to move people out of emergency shelters because there are not enough housing options available. As a result, people may remain in shelters for months rather than moving into more stable living arrangements.

The problem affects more than those currently experiencing homelessness, she said. A shortage of available housing can prevent people from progressing toward greater independence, creating bottlenecks throughout the local support system.

Monadnock United Way has spent about five years developing the collaborative. New Hampshire Housing helps fund staffing for the initiative, with the United Way’s fundraising campaign covering the remaining costs of a full-time staff position.

The effort reflects the organization’s broader role in bringing local agencies together to tackle challenges that individual organizations may struggle to address alone.

Brown, who has volunteered with various community organizations for about 20 years, said collaboration is essential to making progress.

“When we can all come together and understand the problem, it’s easier to solve and come to a solution,” Brown said.

He also shared the story of a child named Forrest, who was born with developmental and feeding challenges. His family received support from Rise for Baby, an organization involved in the Monadnock Alliance for Families.

With help from an occupational therapist and continued practice at home, Forrest gradually learned to share meals safely with his family — a milestone that had once seemed out of reach.

Brown said the experience illustrates how coordinated support from local organizations can make a meaningful difference in the lives of families.

Community award recognizes local service

The campaign kickoff also included the presentation of the Ken Jue Award, which recognizes an individual who demonstrates a strong commitment to the community.

This year’s recipient is Laura Gingras, vice president of philanthropy and community relations at Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough.

LaRose said Gingras has worked at the hospital for approximately 25 to 26 years and has consistently demonstrated the qualities the award is intended to recognize, including listening to others, building relationships and bringing people together.

She added that the selection highlights the work of community leaders throughout the broader Monadnock Region, beyond Keene and Cheshire County.

Monadnock United Way serves 38 towns across Cheshire County and western Hillsborough County, extending from communities such as Antrim and Hillsborough to New Ipswich.

Residents have several ways to contribute

LaRose encouraged residents to support the campaign even if they do not participate in a workplace giving program.

Last year’s total of $1.3 million she noted, included contributions from donors at every level. Small individual gifts, combined across the region, help sustain the services residents rely on.

People can donate in several ways:

  • Visit muw.org and select the donate button.
  • Mail or deliver a check to Monadnock United Way at 23 Center St. in Keene.
  • Text MUW to 41444 to find a mobile giving option.

The organization also offers its Community Builders program, which allows donors to make recurring monthly or quarterly contributions. LaRose said the program provides an alternative for retirees and people whose employers do not offer workplace campaigns.

Donors can select their preferred amount and payment frequency through the organization’s online giving process.

LaRose said the increased fundraising goal reflects the resources needed to maintain local programs and respond to ongoing needs. Even modest increases in individual donations could help close the gap, she said.

Winter coat drive continues through Oct. 23

LaRose also highlighted a statewide coat drive organized by Monadnock United Way, Greater Nashua United Way and Granite United Way.

Donations are being accepted through Friday, Oct. 23, with gently used coats for adults and children welcome. The organization is particularly seeking children’s coats and snow pants.

Although the effort operates statewide, LaRose said items collected in the Monadnock Region will be distributed locally to help residents prepare for colder weather.

Donated items are cleaned by Cleary Cleaners at no cost before being returned for distribution.

Residents can bring donations to Monadnock United Way at 23 Center St. in Keene or check muw.org for additional drop-off locations throughout the region.

LaRose said the coat drive and annual fundraising campaign reflect the same goal: connecting people with resources and ensuring community members can access the support they need.

Listen to the full interview: