Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter (NSKS) is dedicated to providing shelter and food to those in need.
The Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter (NSKS) is dedicated to providing shelter and food to those in need. The overall objective of the agency is to advocate, create, and operate programs and services that promote dignity and self-sufficiency for those we serve. To ensure that basic needs are addressed, the NSKS is committed to joining with others in a community-wide ethic of caring.
Keywords: Food pantry, meals, volunteer, homeless, children, food, perishables, food box, hunger, advocate, soup kitchen, shelter
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
1981 The Nashua Soup Kitchen was begun by a small group of concerned women and men who noticed there were hungry people in Nashua. The soup kitchen was only open a few hours, three days a week, serving simply soup and sandwiches. All support came from private donations.
1984 The Nashua Area Shelter for the Homeless was founded. The first shelter was on Temple Street and had only eight beds. In 1986 the Shelter Committee purchased the building on Ash Street which is currently in use and has 20 beds.
1989 Lisa Christie was hired as the Nashua Soup Kitchen’s first executive director. Six weeks later the soup kitchen merged with the Nashua Area Shelter for the Homeless, and the NSK&S was created.
What is your primary product or service?
Advocacy - Our staff works with individuals to advocate for them related to services they need in the community. Both staff and volunteers also work to address the systemic causes of hunger and political systems that determine public policy and community attitudes.
Emergency Shelter - Two homeless shelters house single men, women and families. Originally opened as short-term emergency shelters, the affordable housing shortage often means that shelter residents stay for months until they are able to find a permanent place to live.
Employment/Education Program - These programs assist people seeking employment with valuable support such as resume writing, interviewing skills and use and understanding of voice mail. Our education program has funds to allow people to go back to school to prevent homelessness. NSKS distributes items such as working computers and new work boots for people in school or starting new jobs. We often have bicycles and bus tickets for people who need help with transportation to interviews, work or school.
Food Pantry - Approximately 300 individuals and families receive non-perishable food each week. Many of these people are the working poor, elderly and disabled living on fixed income. People are eligible for food bags once a month.
Household Items - We accept small household items, especially for guests transitioning out of our shelters into their own places. We accept dishes, silverware, pots & pans, toasters, coffee makers, towels, sheets, blankets, comforters and kitchen gadgets like spatulas, can openers, cookie sheets and pot holders.
Hispanic Advocacy - The NSKS Hispanic advocate assures that the Hispanic population has equal access to our services. Case management, translation and support are offered to the many Spanish-speaking members of our community.
Meals - Our Soup Kitchen serves breakfast Monday-Friday. Dinner is served seven days a week. NSKS averages 1,700 meals each week.
Perishable Food - We open our doors five times each week to people in need for fresh produce, bread, bakery and deli items. People can come 2 times a week for their needs. Local grocers and farms donate all these foods.
Personal Care Supplies - Items such as toilet paper, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, and razors are available once a month to families and individuals. We also supply diapers and wipes. None of these items can be purchased with food stamps.
Rent and Fuel Assistance - We have a limited amount of funds available for rent assistance to prevent homelessness and to help prevent utilities or heat from being turned off. Funds given are considered a loan, which can be repaid over time.
Transitional Housing - Three apartments allow families to pay minimal rent for up to two years while they transition from homelessness back into the community.
What are your hours of operation?
Breakfast: Monday - Friday 7am - 8am
Food Pantry: Monday - Friday 11am - 2:45pm Once a month for a non-perisahable food box, twice a week for perishables.
Dinner: Monday - Saturday 4:30pm - 6pm, Sunday Noon - 1:30pm
Shelter facilities: call our Business Office, Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm (603) 889-7770
Volunteers, 12 and older, always welcome. Please call to schedule hours (603) 889-7770