The Board of Housing Ministries of New England is very pleased to announce the 2026 winner of the $100,000 Dr. Lee & Judy Westrate Grant to Rise Empowering Women and Children, Farmington, NH. This competitive Westrate Grant is annually awarded to a NFP organization demonstrating exceptional services/innovation in affordable housing and services. Rise targets at risk young mothers and children including those transitioning from foster care “by providing two key components: the simplicity of micro-unit housing design and a structured, replicable framework of holistic support services. When paired with a clear program model focused on workforce readiness, financial literacy and life skills, organizations can implement a similar approach without needing to rebuild systems from the ground up.” Chelsea Gannon, Founder & Executive Director: Rise Empowering Women and Children. For more information: chelsea@myc3.tv www.risewc.com

Housing Ministries of New England (“HMNE”), a not-for-profit corporation, is dedicated to revitalizing neighborhoods by ministering to the housing and social needs of low and moderate- income individuals and families. The organization seeks to empower and be an advocate for the populations served, to be at the forefront in developing housing and communities of the highest standards, and to channel its resources so as to ensure that the residents served will enjoy a commensurate quality of life.

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