Petitioned Article 35 – Increased Funding for Crossroads House This Year and Going Forward – $24,000

What it means: Cross Roads House, Inc. is requesting that the amount provided by Hampton each year (historically $15,000) be increased to $39,000, and to be added in that higher amount to the annual Social Services Article. As rationale, they note that the current donaton only handles about 10% of the average cost of serving a homeless person or family.  The increased amount, should it be approved, would be just over 25% of the average cost for Hampton residents who utilize Cross Roads House.

Because the amount requested was increased substantially, the Board of Selectmen asked the petitioner to keep the $15,000 amount in Article 23 with the other social services agencies, and to make the increased amount a separate Warrant Article this year.  If this Article passes, the intent would be to add the higher amount ($39,000) to the Social Services Article along with all the others in subsequent years. The new total for Cross Roads House in 2024 would be $39,000 (the $15,000 in Article 23 and the $24,000 under this Article), assuming voter approval.

Those in favor say:  Cross Roads House helps individuals and families to secure housing, and provides guidance to assist these individuals to regain their footing to become productive members of their communities.

 Those opposed say: No one spoke against this Article at Deliberative Session.

Fiscal impact: The estimated 2024 tax impact is $0.006 per $1,000 valuation. A household valued at $400,000 would see a tax increase of $2.40 for this Article. The total $39,000 for Cross Roads House amounts to $3.90 for property valued at $400,000.