Waypoint has officially acquired 3 Wallace Street in Rochester, NH, paving the way for the region’s first-ever youth drop-in center aimed at addressing homelessness among teens and young adults in the Tri-City area, including Rochester, Somersworth, and Dover.
This new center will become a safe and inviting space for young people between the ages of 12 and 23 who are facing housing challenges. They’ll be able to access a variety of essential resources everything from hot showers and laundry facilities to meals and clothing. The facility will also offer computers, phone-charging stations, lockers, mail service, and even an outdoor area. Beyond meeting basic needs, youth can participate in group sessions, activities, and receive guidance on education, employment, and other personal goals.
Homelessness among youth is a bigger issue than many people realize. Nationally, statistics from Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago reveal that roughly one in 10 young adults and one in 30 adolescents face homelessness at some point each year. Here in New Hampshire, it’s estimated that as many as 15,000 youth experience some form of homelessness annually. Even before the COVID pandemic, Waypoint and local partners were noticing a troubling rise in the number of unsheltered youth in the Tri-City area. Over the past year alone, Waypoint received 174 local referrals, a clear sign of the urgent need for additional support.
Experts at the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness emphasize that effectively tackling youth homelessness requires a coordinated community approach. Drop-in centers are especially important, as they’re often the first point of contact for young people, helping with prevention, early intervention, and support.
“This center couldn’t come at a better time,” said Mandy Lancaster, who manages Homeless Youth and Young Adult Services at Waypoint. “Right now, our Street Outreach program supports more than 100 young adults in the Tri-City and Seacoast areas, but we know there are many others who desperately need a place to go. Creating a dedicated drop-in center is the next essential step in truly addressing their needs.”
Waypoint didn’t make this decision lightly. Before choosing Rochester as the location, the team spent months gathering input from community members, local organizations, and youth themselves. Many local leaders actively supported the project, seeing it as a necessary investment for the community.
Rochester City Councilor Palana Belken described the upcoming center as a “game-changer,” noting how Waypoint’s existing Seacoast Street Outreach Program has already made a significant difference. “Having a dedicated physical space will enhance their ability to create a safe and welcoming environment for young people who are struggling with homelessness,” Belken added.
Local youth are also enthusiastic about the new center. Bella, a former Waypoint client from Rochester, emphasized that drop-in centers are a lifeline: “They’re like a holy grail for helping young people stay healthy and safe.” Madison, involved with the Youth Success Project, echoed that excitement, calling the drop-in center “an amazing opportunity” for youth facing housing instability in the region.
Waypoint is uniquely positioned to deliver these critical services, as it’s currently the only organization in New Hampshire providing comprehensive support to homeless youth. The organization has existing sites in Manchester, Littleton, Concord, and more than a dozen locations along the Seacoast and Tri-City area. Their approach offers not only immediate assistance but also long-term stability and opportunities for growth. More information can be found on their website at www.waypointnh.org.
Borja Alvarez de Toledo, President and CEO of Waypoint, described the Rochester center as a crucial part of a statewide response to youth homelessness. “We’re incredibly grateful for the community’s backing of this important effort,” Alvarez de Toledo said. “Together, we’re making meaningful, lasting change for young people in New Hampshire.”
Waypoint plans to renovate the building promptly, aiming to open the center to youth early next year.
