In light of the New Hampshire housing market and the long-term goals of independent living programs for our state’s young people, AND fueled with heightened environmental awareness, Child and Family Services recently purchased property on Union Street in Manchester and has begun building a brand new green house for the Transitional Living Program, a program that provides supportive housing and a range of vital services to disadvantaged young adults who are striving toward independence.   

The new construction project is happening in partnership with N.H. Housing Finance Authority, and upon completion, will be LEED certified, an honor bestowed by the U.S. Green Building Council for projects that are environmentally friendly.  This will be the first undertaking of this kind for N.H. Housing Finance Authority in New Hampshire.

LEED for Homes is a voluntary rating system that promotes the design and construction of high performance "green" homes.  A green home uses less energy, water and natural resources; creates less waste; and is a healthier and more comfortable environment for the occupants.  Benefits of a LEED home include lower energy and water bills; reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. The net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home.

According to Bob Frasier of the NH Housing Finance Authority, there are fewer than 50 LEED certified homes in New Hampshire, while California has 1500.   With an elevated sensibility about the importance of living in deference to the environment, Frasier says,  “The N.H. Housing Finance Authority is now taking a proactive stance in green building,” and proudly adds, “Child and Family Services’ TLP home is the prototype for this!” 

Frasier continues, “The site we chose is ideal for LEED certification; it is a preferred location with an existing infrastructure-- other houses around, parks nearby, community services within walking distance and with easy access to public transportation.  The garage that was on the site was torn down and recycled.”    

The new TLP home will on a quarter-acre lot landscaped with on-site water retention and drought resistant plantings.  It will be a multi-story dwelling with four apartments that will accommodate ten residents and two resident advisors.  

“Much like CFS has to stay ahead of the curve in providing state-of the art services, so do we in our industry,” explains Frasier.   “Here, we are on the cutting edge of social progress and environmental protection.” 

Because of the nature of this project, many local businesses are stepping in to help. The architect for the new building is George Hickey of Sanbornton, while the engineer is LaBombard Engineering LLC of Brookline, NH, and the building contractor is Gary Chicoine Construction Company, Inc. of Weare.   Danuta Drozdowicz of  Fore-Solutions is the provider and liaison for LEEDS certification and Bruce Bennett of G S D  Associates is the LEEDS rater.  Keyspan, PSNH and Paradigm Windows of Portland, ME, are among the first to contribute, through donations of product, service or money, to the project.   CFS hopes that other local businesses will step forward to help furnish the interior of the house and provide the finishing touches that will make the house a home.  

“You know, I lived in an orphanage when I was a kid, so I have a soft spot for Child and Family Services and the work you do.    When you folks came to me to talk about this project, I was on board.  Good people at CFS.  Really good people!

“As I get older in life, I realize how short life is,” Frasier continues.   “I learn something new every day and I think it’s important to engage in projects like this one that make such a big difference in young people’s lives and in the well-being of our community.”

The TLP home will be completed by the end of November.  Projected move in date is December of 2007. To find out how you can help, contact the CFS development office, 603-518-4130.