Unitarian Universalist
Congregation in Milford

Social Action Projects

Granite State Organizing Project (GSOP)

Being a member organization of GSOP is one of the ways UUCM joins with other organizations to work for social justice and community change.

• GSOP is the largest grassroots community organization in New Hampshire, and is comprised of approximately 30 religious, community and labor organizations.
• GSOP helps members of local communities identify the issues at “house meetings,” where people talk about challenges and problems in their local community, and prioritize those challenges.
• GSOP then helps community members bring the right people to the table to work out a sustainable solution.

UUCM belongs to the Souhegan Valley Chapter of GSOP. This Chapter's biggest project so far was to launch Souhegan Valley Rides, which:

• Is an affordable, wheelchair accessible, door-to-door bus service
• Serves residents of Milford, Amherst, Hollis and Brookline.
• Takes people to non-emergency medical appointments and local shopping destinations in their town and Nashua.

Souhegan Valley Rides is overseen by the Souhegan Valley Transportation Collaborative (SVTC), a spinoff of GSOP. If it weren't for the expertise and determination of GSOP, SVTC would not have come into existence. A member of GSOP continues to serve on the board of SVTC.

The Souhegan Valley Chapter of GSOP has now begun to look at community health issues involving food - including community gardens, food in schools, farmers markets, food pantries, food and water safety, and local food and farms.

UUCM pays annual membership dues to GSOP, which go mostly to support the salary of the Lead Organizer of GSOP. Our dues are raised through our “Share the Plate” donations collected over several Sundays each year. Our membership in GSOP allows us to combine our efforts with other organizations and also to access the expertise and resources of GSOP to make a difference in our community!

For more information, contacts and to volunteer, see the "Living Our Faith" bulletin board in Barnum Hall

Greater Nashua Interfaith Hospitality Network (Anne-Marie House)

The Greater Nashua Interfaith Hospitality Network (GNIHN) provides emergency transitional shelter, meals, and supportive services to homeless families in the Greater Nashua, N.H. community.GNIHN operates a program at the Anne-Marie House in Hudson, NH. The Anne-Marie House accommodates up to 24 persons, where families experiencing homelessness are offered food, shelter and supportive services, for up to two years. There are three staff persons overseeing this program, and more than 400 active volunteers who offer their time and talents to make the Anne-Marie House a “home …for now.” Over 75% of the families graduate from the program and achieve housing independence.

UUCM along with other Milford area faith communities (Church of Our Savior Episcopal, Light of the World Christian, Milford United Methodist, Mont Vernon Congregational) serve as hosts and dinner preparers, and provide other needed services once every 7 weeks. UUCM supports GNIHN financially, when we "Share the Plate" on Sunday.

For more information, contacts and to volunteer, see the "Living Our Faith" bulletin board in Barnum Hall

Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter

The Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter (NSK&S) 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 NSK&S is committed to joining with others in a community-wide ethic of caring. In addition to many other programs, NSK&S serves daily meals to those in need. The Soup Kitchen averages 1000 meals each week, serving breakfast Monday-Friday and dinner seven days a week.

UUCM volunteers serve Sunday dinner on the 2nd Sunday of each month.

For more information, contacts and to sign up to serve Sunday dinner, see the "Living Our Faith" bulletin board in Barnum Hall

SHARE

The Mission of the SHARE Program is to provide food, clothing and emergency financial assistance to area needy families who do not qualify for government assistance, or for whom that assistance is insufficient or delayed in coming. SHARE serves residents of Milford, Amherst, Mont Vernon and Brookline, regardless of their religious affiliation, race, color, sex, age, handicap or national origin. The staff strives to serve our clients with the dignity and respect to which they are entitled, always protecting their confidentiality. 100% of all contributions go directly to the needy. All administrative and operating expenses are paid for by St. Patrick's Church and civic organizations, and all staff volunteer their time.

UUCM is one of 14 area churches donating food, clothing, time, and money.

UUCM supports SHARE financially, when we "Share the Plate" on Sunday.

For more information, contacts and to donate food items, see the "SHARE" bulletin board in Barnum Hall