KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Southwestern Community Services is preparing to take on more housing development while continuing to provide a wide range of assistance to residents across Cheshire and Sullivan counties, CEO Beth Daniels said during an interview Wednesday on Good Morning with Dan Mitchell on WKBK Radio.

SCS is one of five community action agencies in New Hampshire and serves roughly 40 communities in the two counties. Daniels said the organization’s work is designed to have an impact both at the individual and community levels.

That work includes housing, transportation, energy assistance, food programs, early childhood services and community partnerships. SCS also operates public transportation in Sullivan County and convenes monthly community meetings intended to bring local organizations and residents together.

The nonprofit also has a significant economic presence in the region. Daniels said SCS paid more than $500,000 in property taxes last year and regularly works with local contractors and fuel vendors.

At the individual level, thousands of households have received fuel assistance, while SCS weatherization programs have helped make improvements to homes.

Housing Development Becomes a Priority

Housing was a major focus of the conversation, with Daniels outlining both the organization’s current capacity and its plans for future development.

SCS currently has more than 400 housing units, including senior housing, family housing and permanent supportive housing. The organization also operates about 85 shelter beds. That number increases to more than 100 during the winter when SCS opens a temporary shelter in Claremont in partnership with Trinity Church.

Together, the housing and shelter resources provide more than 500 units and beds across the region.

“We are going to be focused on housing development moving forward,” Daniels said.

SCS has established an updated in-house development team and is working with municipalities, contractors, community partners and abutters as it considers potential projects.

Daniels said future developments will have to balance available funding with the size and character of surrounding neighborhoods, input from municipalities and the concerns of nearby property owners.

The organization is now engaged in pre-development planning, examining which potential housing projects can be financially viable and appropriate for the communities where they could be located.

Daniels also discussed the recent recovery of SCS’s senior housing property in Marlboro, where flooding and a burst pipe caused extensive damage.

Residents have now returned to the property, and the restoration project has been completed. Daniels said the process, from the initial emergency response through the final restoration and celebration with residents, took approximately a year and a half.

“That project has been wrapped up, which has been a huge relief,” Daniels said.

She credited local contractors, partners and community members with helping SCS navigate the lengthy recovery.

Food Programs Designed to Complement Local Pantries

Food insecurity was another topic during the interview.

Daniels explained that SCS administers The Emergency Food Assistance Program, distributing federally provided commodities to food pantries throughout the region. The organization also administers the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which provides regular food deliveries to eligible low-income seniors.

Rather than replacing the work of local food organizations, Daniels said SCS works behind the scenes to help coordinate resources and avoid duplicating services.

“The part we play is somewhat separate, but hopefully supportive of those efforts,” she said.

SCS coordinates with organizations including the Community Kitchen, Tiny Tummies and Meals on Wheels as part of that effort.

Daniels said the arrangement allows local pantries, many of which rely heavily on volunteers, to concentrate on serving people in their communities while SCS handles much of the administrative and distribution work associated with the commodity food programs.

Head Start Serves Children And Families

SCS also operates five Head Start centers, located in Claremont, Newport, Swanzey, Keene and Jaffrey.

The program is designed to prepare children for kindergarten while providing support to their families. Children receive breakfast and lunch along with health screenings, dental services, curriculum-based activities and opportunities for play and development.

Family advocates also work with parents and caregivers to connect them with resources and help them pursue individual and family goals.

“With Head Start, we provide breakfast and lunch, as well as some pretty intensive screenings,” Daniels said, adding that the goal is “really just kindergarten readiness.”

Daniels said a few openings remain in the Head Start program, and families can begin the application process through the SCS website.

SCS Seeks More Weatherization Contractors

The organization is also looking to expand its pool of local contractors as demand for weatherization services grows.

SCS currently has requests for proposals or qualifications posted at scshelps.org, including one related to testing and inspections for a new transit facility in Newport.

Another contractor solicitation is focused on weatherization work. Daniels said SCS is particularly interested in finding additional installers, electricians and HVAC contractors.

“We have a significant amount of weatherization work to do over the next few years,” Daniels said. “We would love [local contractors] with kind of a steady ongoing supply of work.”

SCS can provide training and technical assistance funding to help contractors develop the skills needed to perform the work.

The organization is also preparing for its annual outreach surrounding energy assistance and weatherization programs.

Daniels is expected to return to WKBK in the coming weeks for a more detailed discussion of energy conservation, the Energy Assistance Program and the Home Weatherization Program.

For more information about SCS programs, housing, food assistance, Head Start, energy assistance, weatherization and current contractor opportunities, visit scshelps.org.

Listen to the full interview: