Belknap House

Support the Critical Work of Empowering Homeless Families 

Belknap House provides families safe shelter when children are especially vulnerable during homelessness, and empowers parents to become self-sufficient, through opportunities of education and access to community resources. We have built strong partnerships, collaborating with more than 80 agencies and resources in support of families' needs. Through direct services, case management, and accountability, we strive to support families with a helping hand-up. This approach requires parents to work hard, and helps them to develop life-changing skills. As a result, families are not only on track to obtain a place of their own, but they are equipped to be better parents, and are poised to be resilient community members.

Overcoming Adversity: A Family's Story

On February 20, 2026, a family of three: mom, dad and their 8-month-old son, began residing at Belknap House. While at Belknap House, the father had a medical issue that required surgery. Complications occurred; two more surgeries were needed. Given his status as temporary worker, the factory that employed him was forced to let him go.  Knowing that the family needed income, the mom found a job at a local coffee shop. A few weeks ago, the family learned that their housing application had been denied.  The denial was based on the family withholding information pertaining to their background check.

An integral part of residing at Belknap House is acquiring the resilience needed to deal with life’s setbacks.  After some difficult conversations, a plan was devised to help the family file an appeal.  The parents got on board and took ownership of significant mistakes that had occurred in their past. Upon completing the appeal, the father commented, “Well, even if we get denied, at least I can say I was honest.”  That honesty, supported by years of making genuine efforts to rectify past wrongdoings, resonated with the appeal board.   In early April, the family learned that their housing application was approved.  The anticipated moving date is May 1, 2026.

Keeping Families Together

The mission of Belknap House is to provide families in Belknap County safe shelter when children are especially at-risk during homelessness; to empower families to become self-sufficient and independent by providing them with opportunities for education and access to community resources.

We strive to equip parents with the skills and support they need to break free from the cycle of homelessness and create sustainable habits for a better life. 

Our facilities include two locations that cater to different stages of our residents' journeys. Our shelter, located in Laconia, features a 6-bedroom home that can provide shelter to up to 19 individuals. Residents have access to a shared living room, kitchen, pantry, children's playroom, an outdoor space with a playground and a beloved book nook.

In December 2023, we expanded our reach with the purchase of a duplex in Laconia. This property serves as the next step on the path to independence. Here, residents have the freedom to practice the skills they've learned at Belknap House in a real-world setting. 

Belknap House is privately funded and receives no federal or state government support. Leadership is made up of diverse, passionate, local community members, businesses and faith organizations who volunteer their expertise, time and services.

Our Impact

• Belknap House provided 6,583 nights of shelter for 15 families, 24 children and 23 parents in 2025.
• 42,762 is the total number of bed nights Belknap House has provided over 9 years. 
• 6 Belknap House families secured housing in 2024 and 6 more in 2025.
• Volunteers donated a total of 2,581 hours in 2025.

Together, we can build a brighter future for our community!