The Strafford Human Services Department provides General Assistance to qualified individuals for basic living needs in accordance with N.H. R.S.A. 165 and the Town of Strafford General Assistance Guidelines and Basic Needs Policy. Our mission is to provide interim emergency assistance with basic needs for those who do not have the resources to meet these needs and to assist applicants in obtaining long-term financial security through other available resources.
Assistance is issued in the form of vouchers for any items paid directly to a vendor. We will also refer you to other programs that will help you to meet these basic needs.
We do not issue food stamps, Medicaid or cash assistance. NH Department of Health and Human Services administers these programs. Please see The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Official Website for more information on these programs.
Applications are available upon request in the Selectmen’s Office at the Town Hall.
Hours are by appointment only.
Contact Information
Mailing:
Human Services Department
PO Box 23
Center Strafford, NH 03815
Address:
Human Services Department
Strafford Town Hall
12 Mountain View Drive
Strafford, NH 03884
What is the difference between State and Local Welfare?
State Welfare: The NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is a State Assistance program that provides Food Stamps, TANF/FAP (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families/Financial Assistance Program), Medicaid, APTD (Aid for the Permanent and Totally Disabled), help finding and paying for Child Care, OAA (Old Age Assistance), etc. to low-income families and individuals that qualify. If you live in Strafford County, you may contact the Portsmouth District Office at (603) 895-0326 to find out if you are eligible for any of these programs. You may also apply online at NHEasy.nh.gov.
Local Welfare: Every city and town in New Hampshire has a local welfare office where an individual may apply for Temporary Emergency Assistance in compliance with RSA 165. NH Towns and Cities are required to assist people with such needs as food, rent, heat and utilities who live within their jurisdiction, have no other means of support, require temporary assistance, or whose bare minimum expenses exceeds their income. Applications for assistance are available here or at the Town Hall. All applicants must meet with the Human Services Department before any assistance would be considered.
Where can I find a local food pantry?
Yes! The Christian Cupboard is located on the 1st floor of the Christian Ed. Building of the Third Baptist Church, 30 Strafford, Rd. Strafford, N.H. It is open every Thursday morning from 8am-10am. The exceptions are: if the Strafford school is closed due to a snow storm the pantry is closed, if the Strafford school has a two hour delay the pantry has a two hour delay and Thanksgiving week, when holiday baskets are given out, usually Monday or Tuesday.
It is open to Strafford residents who meet the USDA income-eligibility requirements.
The pantry is operated by volunteers.
For more information, you can call the Church at (603)664-7750 or Betty at (603)664-2517.
What is WIC and how do I apply?
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides supplemental nutritious foods and nutrition education to pregnant and breastfeeding women. It also provides foods to infants and children up to 5 years of age. To participate, infants, children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers must be determined “nutritionally at-risk” due to a dietary inadequacy or medical condition by a nutritionist, physician, or nurse. Participants must meet the income criteria. WIC provides infants with iron-fortified formula and cereal and with fruit juice rich in vitamin C. Infants and children with individual needs may be accommodated with special formulas. WIC provides women and children with milk, cheese, eggs, iron-fortified cereals, fruit juice rich in vitamin C, and peanut butter or dried peas and beans. WIC also provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals. WIC also administers the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). This program provides supplemental foods to low-income seniors 60 years and older, and women and children up to 6 years old who are no longer eligible for WIC. For more information or to apply for WIC or CSFP, you may contact the WIC Nutrition Services Bureau at (603) 271-4546 or (800) WIC-4321 or visit their website: www.nheasy.nh.gov or www.signupwic.com
If you live in Strafford County, you may also contact the Strafford Community Action Program at (603) 435-2500.
What is the Fuel Assistance Program (FAP) and how do I apply?
The Community Action Program provides income eligible households with assistance in paying home energy bills (oil, kerosene, natural gas, propane, wood, electricity, and/or coal) during the winter heating season. The FAP (Fuel Assistance Program) gives priority to households with at least one member who is elderly, disabled and/or has a child under age 6. Eligibility is based on household size, household income, and annual home energy costs. Homeowners and Renters (including renters with heat included) may be eligible for FAP. If you live in Strafford County, you may contact the Strafford Community Action Program at (603) 435-2500 or visit their website at https://straffordcap.org/.
Where can I get affordable medical care?
Families First
8 Greenleaf Woods Drive
Portsmouth, NH
(603)422-8208
Goodwin Community Health
311 Route 108
Somersworth, NH
(603)749-2346
Lilac Pediatrics
In Somersworth at Goodwin Community Health-(603)749-2346
In Portsmouth at Families First (603)422-8208
For much more information on the services provided by the above locations, visit their website at www.getcommunityhealth.org or call (603)766-9220.
Lamprey Health Care in Raymond. Contact them at: (603) 895-3316 or visit their website at https://www.lampreyhealth.org/.
How can I apply for Public Housing and Section 8?
For information about HUD Section 8 low-income housing please contact the NH Housing Finance Authority at (800) 439-7247.
Where can I find Childcare?
Call Southern NH Services at 885-393-1731.
Is there transportation available for Seniors in need?
Yes-please contact Ready Rides at (603) 244-8719. Provides free rides to medical appointments for those over 65 or Disabled.
Where can I find information about available services if I am Elderly or Disabled?
ServiceLink can be contacted at 1-866-634-9412 or visit their website at https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/servicelink
I served in the Military and need help. Who can I contact?
Veteran’s Count at: (603) 315-4354 or Supportive Services for Veteran Families at: (603) 882-3616.
Can I get help to pay my medical Bills?
Yes-Call NH Health Access at: (603) 225-0900. You must be income eligible.
Are there any programs that will help me pay for my prescriptions?
