Please consider a donation to Belknap House, a new homeless shelter

To The Daily Sun,

As we sit around our Christmas trees, snug in our warm homes with our families this holiday season, let's not forget those who are less fortunate and homeless. Homelessness can have devastating effects on families, in particular, the children. The N.H. Coalition to End Homelessness reports Belknap County saw an increase in homelessness of 38 percent in 2015. Homelessness among families increased by 50 percent in Belknap County from 2013 to 2015.

Belknap House is raising funds to acquire and open a shelter at 200 Court St., Laconia, specifically for families during the cold winter months. We would like to thank everyone who continues to support our efforts and in particular, purchased Christmas trees from our tree lot on Court Street, Laconia. We would also like to thank Steve Weeks, of Coldwell Banker, for allowing us to use the space adjacent to their offices. A huge thank you to the Laconia Kiwanis for including us in their Christmas tree fundraiser and to Matt, the New Hampshire tree grower, for bringing down his fresh cut, beautiful Fraser and Balsam trees.

How can you help? Please consider contributing to our $25,000 Matching Fund Campaign. We need to raise an additional $25,000 to receive a match, by Feb. 14. Every dollar helps us to reach our goal. Please visit our website, www.belknaphouse.org and donate using PayPal or mail a check to 291 Union Ave., Laconia. Thank you for your support to families in Belknap County.

Colleen Garrity, President

Belknap House - Laconia