In Evernorth‑supported affordable housing communities across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, dedicated staff, including teams of Resident Service Coordinators (RSCs), go above and beyond their day‑to‑day responsibilities all year long to help residents feel safe, secure, and at home. These vital team members are community builders and problem-solvers, connecting residents to stable food supplies, making it easier to access those supplies, and creating moments of joy and dignity during a time of uncertainty.
Given recent disruptions to SNAP benefits and rising food costs affecting families and seniors across Northern New England, staff on the ground are coming up with new ways to help by using their ingenuity, compassion, and knowledge of the area. Their efforts reflect a basic but important truth: affordable housing is not just about having a place to live. It is also about supporting each other and strengthening the communities we share.
New Hampshire: Building a Safety Net Through Connection and Care
Staff in Colebrook, New Hampshire linked residents to Project Homebound, which brought holiday meal boxes right to their homes. That support led to something more: the residents got together to host a community Thanksgiving meal where they shared food, resources, and company with their neighbors. What began as help with food turned into a chance for neighbors to connect and support one another.
RSCs play a crucial role in affordable housing, ensuring that residents are educated and supported. At Project Homebound, the RSCs keep a close eye on updates from local food pantries, often on social media, and share that information because they know that not everyone has access. When SNAP benefits were at risk, staff compiled lists of food resources in each county so people could find aid immediately.
Transportation remains a barrier in Northern New Hampshire, but staff found ways to overcome it by connecting residents to Tri-County Transit. Tri-County Transit offers more than just rides; it also offers food pantry pickup for people who are unable to get there on their own. These efforts are strengthening resilience and ensuring residents are not navigating food insecurity alone.
Maine: Meeting Needs with Speed and Dignity
When news surfaced in Maine that SNAP assistance would be cut off, families and seniors living at Brewer Housing in Brewer, Maine were immediately worried. Staff moved quickly, understanding that food insecurity is not only about nutrition, but about a need for transportation and dignity.
The team at Brewer Housing worked with the Brewer Area Food Pantry to set up satellite pantry sites in two common areas to serve five neighborhoods. Staff removed major obstacles and made the setting more welcoming and familiar by bringing food directly into community spaces within walking distance.
The impact was immediate. The first pantry day at the Heritage Community Room served 18 seniors, some of whom had never used pantry services before. Food delivery ensured that no one was left out, even those who could not leave their homes. This quick action showed what can happen when housing providers act quickly and with compassion.
Vermont: Year-Round Support, Impact, and Joy
At Highgate in Barre, Vermont staff spent 2025 focusing on consistency, scale, and care for the whole household. Each week, thanks to their work, residents receive food from Hannaford, with fresh produce delivered monthly through the Vermont Foodbank. Additional food support comes throughout the month from partners such as Dollar General and more from Vermont Foodbank as supplies allow.
Over the past year alone, staff distributed tens of thousands of pounds of food, reaching dozens of households and more than a hundred residents each month during peak periods. Staff distributed pet food, disposable diapers, newborn formula, and other vital resources. They know that food security often goes hand in hand with other fundamental needs.
Over the holiday season, the staff also devised ways to make younger residents happy. They worked with Toys for Tots to send three items to each child under 12, with teens receiving gift cards. These acts of kindness go beyond gifts; they help families celebrate and feel cared for.
Affordable Housing: More Than a Roof and Walls
The common thread across the work in these three states is the dedication of staff who recognize affordable housing as a cornerstone for stability, health, and community ties. Through local partnerships, prompt responses to emerging challenges, and a focus on dignity in every interaction, they are meeting resident needs while ensuring they feel supported and acknowledged.
During a time filled with uncertainty, these efforts serve as a reminder that resilient communities are forged through connections, trust, and people willing to step in, step up, and care for their neighbors.
