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06/25/2024 01:49 PMDEEP RIVER
On June 24, the Deep River Board of Selectmen (BOS) approved its support for a total of $63,750 in grant money for the Deep River Housing Authority and the Deep River Congregational Church. The funds are expected to come through the state’s Neighborhood Assistance Act program.
The state program is designed to provide funding for municipal and tax-exempt organizations. This grant money will go toward supporting the systems and infrastructural aspects of both the congregation and the 44 units at Kirtland Commons, which provides affordable housing for seniors and disabled people.
Upon its approval of support, the BOS will submit applications to the state for the congregation and the housing authority to formally qualify for funding.
According to Joann Hourigan, the head of the housing authority, the $40,000 sought by the organization is intended to finally complete ventilation work and replace the aging air conditioning unit at Kirtland Commons. These funds are significantly greater than those received by the housing authority through the same state program, which amounted to only $5,000 for “some of the ventilation upgrades,” she informed the BOS, adding that airflow from the air conditioning unit is “not ideal.”
Hourigan confirmed to the BOS and attending citizens at the meeting that the improvements to Kirtland Commons have “no cost to the town.”
The congregational church is seeking $23,750 in funds from the state program to support the “central institution” which hosts many events year-round, according to Alison Karam, public relations and communications officer for the congregation. Examples of organizations using the building include Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries, Alcoholics Anonymous, the Girl Scouts, and the Red Cross for blood drives.
The church’s proposed projects with the funds include replacing “drafty windows,” completing work on installing energy efficient light fixtures, and installing “ protective insulating materials for ceilings and floors,” said Karam.
“It’s a heavily used building, so we want to keep it well maintained,” she added.
Selectman Kathryn Russell commended both town organizations for the work they do for Deep River residents, something which is partly achieved by seeking state grants on an annual basis.