In 2025, our communities continued to feel the weight of rising housing costs, an increasing cost of living, homelessness, and food insecurity. More than half of renter households found themselves stretched thin, often devoting over half of their income just to keep a roof overhead. These circumstances reveal a sobering reality: countless neighbors are working diligently and doing everything they can, yet still find it difficult to secure the basic necessities of life-safe housing, nourishing food, reliable transportation, and accessible healthcare.
In Manchester, these statewide pressures are not abstract, they are felt deeply in the lives of our neighbors, often forcing families and individuals to make painful choices between housing, food, and healthcare. For the fifth consecutive year, homelessness has continued to rise, with approximately 3,700 individuals identified in the 2025 point‑in‑time count. Behind this number are real people, individuals and families navigating housing instability, often through no fault of their own, but because safe and affordable housing remains out of reach. While Manchester’s numbers may be smaller, the need is no less urgent. FAITH’s Project 25 responds directly to this reality, walking alongside those experiencing homelessness in our community. Through this ministry, individuals are provided access to food, connections to housing and shelter resources, and the essential necessities needed to stay warm and safe during the winter months offering not only practical support, but dignity, hope, and care.
Food insecurity remains closely connected to rising housing and living costs, leaving many families struggling to meet even their most basic nutritional needs. As these pressures grow, families increasingly rely on community support to help bridge the gap making the role of the church more vital than ever. FAITH has become both a steady presence and a beacon of hope within our community, faithfully serving individuals and families facing hardship.
Through our year‑round food pantry, we provide groceries that offer not only nourishment, but also a sense of stability, dignity, and care during uncertain times. In 2025, FAITH’s Project 25 Food Pantry experienced an 80% increase in both the number of families served and the volume of groceries distributed, supporting individuals through both one‑time assistance and ongoing need. Through P25, your generosity helped provide a record‑breaking 125 Thanksgiving meals to families at FAITH and to our partner schools—Manchester Regional Academy, Illing Middle School, and Manchester High School. Because of your generosity and faithful support, students and their households were able to fully share in the Thanksgiving holiday and experience the joy of the Christmas season as well. Together, you helped supply families within our church and across all three schools with gifts, toys, clothing, and food bringing comfort, hope, and celebration during a deeply meaningful time of year.
Beyond food assistance, P25 has supported children and families in meaningful ways distributing 150 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students across three local schools. We remain deeply committed to supporting our students and their academic success. Our children have always been a priority, and we are honored to play a small part in equipping them to learn and thrive. Whether meeting basic needs or responding to specific requests, every effort reflects FAITH’s ongoing commitment to the well-being of our community.
Taken together, the data and lived experiences of 2025 tell a clear and compassionate story: many families in Manchester continue to carry significant economic strain. Yet this story also reveals something deeply hopeful. The strength, generosity, and care found within our church community. Here at FAITH, individuals like you step forward with open hearts, giving generously to ensure that no neighbor, child, or family is left unsupported. Your love for this community is both seen and deeply felt. Words can scarcely capture our gratitude, but please know this: we are profoundly thankful for your generosity, your faithfulness, and your willingness to serve others through giving.
