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20 International Drive, Suite 300 Portsmouth, NH 03801
Business Line: 1-603-436-4107
In-person advocacy is by appointment only.

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Haven - 2025_0716 - Exterior Rendering

For over 45 years, HAVEN has been a lifeline for survivors of domestic and sexual violence across Southeastern New Hampshire. Now, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a permanent home designed with dignity at its core.

Join us in building HAVEN's first permanent facility—a visible symbol of safety, hope, and transformation for our community.

 A New Home for Safety and Hope

Right now, HAVEN operates from cramped, hidden rental spaces never designed for the families we serve. Every night, survivors are turned away because there aren't enough beds. Staff work in borrowed spaces across the region. Schools wait months for our prevention educators. 

This changes now.

In partnership with Portsmouth Housing Authority and the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire, HAVEN is building a state-of-the-art, 17,000 square-foot facility at 1035 Lafayette Road in Portsmouth—a visible, accessible community hub that will double our shelter capacity and transform how we serve survivors and prevent violence.

This isn't just construction. It's an invitation to dismantle cycles of violence by providing dignity-centered care.

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WHY THIS MATTERS NOW

Every single day in Southeastern New Hampshire, people quietly endure the fear of domestic and sexual violence. These aren't strangers—they're our neighbors, colleagues, and friends.

  • 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime
  • Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted
  • Over 3.3 million children annually witness violence against their caregiver
  • 48 New Hampshire towns rely on HAVEN to keep survivors safe
  • 50% of children we serve in emergency shelter are under 6 years old

The Need Is Greater Than Ever

  • Last year alone, HAVEN provided:

    • 13,500 students and teachers with prevention education
    • 3,100 safe nights of shelter
    • 2,570 crisis hotline responses
    • 76 courtroom accompaniments
    • 52 emergency room accompaniments

      But the demand far exceeds what our current facilities can handle.

      [Help Us Meet the Need]

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THE VISION: BUILDING WITH DIGNITY IN MIND

What We're Creating

Our new facility embraces the Building Dignity model—a best-practice approach that ensures survivors have safety, choice, and community connection. Every detail has been designed to restore dignity and empower healing.

📍 A Visible Community Hub

Moving from hidden locations to a prominent Route 1 site signals that survivors deserve visibility, respect, and community support—not shame or secrecy.

🏠 Double the Shelter Capacity

Seven new family-style transitional housing units will provide 7,000 safe nights annually—double our current capacity—with private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and community spaces that honor family resilience.

👥 All Services Under One Roof

For the first time, HAVEN's programs, staff, volunteers, emergency shelter, and transitional housing will operate together in one accessible, purpose-built space.

🎓 Expanded Prevention Education

With dedicated training and program space, we'll grow from serving 13,500 students annually to reaching over 20,000 young people—teaching safety, boundaries, and consent before violence begins.

🤝 Partnership & Innovation

Alongside 44 affordable workforce apartments and community childcare, this campus represents collaboration that strengthens the entire Seacoast.

  • HEAR FROM OUR COMMUNITY

    "My first interaction with HAVEN was at the Emergency Room at Wentworth Douglass Hospital. I remember being told the investigation would go to the FBI because I was sexually assaulted, raped and trafficked. I remember the out of body experience. I remember that HAVEN was there in that moment."

    —Lissa Curtis, Founder and Director of Safe Haven Ballet

  • HEAR FROM OUR COMMUNITY

    "My sister, mom, and I shared a bed in the shelter when I was 3. My mom has always been a rock for me and I'm so grateful that HAVEN was her rock when she needed it."


     —Brenton Ciccotelli, HAVEN Volunteer Advocate

  • HEAR FROM OUR COMMUNITY

     "I grew up in a home riddled with violence and abuse and we relied heavily on organizations like HAVEN. I was too young to fully understand everything that was happening, but old enough to know we were running for our lives."

    —Diannely Antigua, Former Portsmouth Poet Laureate 

YOUR IMPACT: WAYS TO GIVE

When We Come Together, Survivors Are Not Alone

Healing, safety, and a brighter future are within reach—made possible by a permanent home for HAVEN.

Your gift today creates:

  • Safe shelter for families fleeing violence
  • Prevention education that stops violence before it begins
  • Crisis support 24/7/365
  • A visible symbol of hope for the entire Seacoast

Every gift matters.

Every gift builds dignity.

YOUR IMPACT: WAYS TO GIVE

Every Gift Builds Dignity

Whether you make a one-time gift or a multi-year pledge, your generosity creates a permanent home for safety, empowerment, and hope.

We welcome gifts in many forms:

  • Online or by check
  • Multi-year pledges
  • Donor-advised funds
  • Gifts of stock or securities
  • IRA distributions
  • Legacy gifts

[Make Your Gift Today]

Questions about giving?
 Contact Kathy Beebe , Executive Director
kbeebe@havennh.org | 603-436-4107

 

NAMING OPPORTUNITIES

Leave a Lasting Legacy

Honor a loved one, celebrate a milestone, or make your mark on this transformative project through named spaces that will serve survivors for generations.

Naming opportunities include:

  • Transitional housing units
  • Meeting and counseling rooms
  • Multipurpose training room
  • Play and community spaces
  • Program areas
  • And more

Contact us to learn more about creating a meaningful legacy.

*Naming Opportunities

Transitional Housing Wing $500,000

Welcome Lobby $250,000

Youth Center $250,000

Training and Conference Ctr $100,000

Education and Collaboration $100,000

Board Room $100,000

Executive Director Suite $100,000

Children’s Playroom I & II $50,000

Support Group Lounge $50,000

Client Consultation $50,000

Housing Consultation $50,000

All donors will be recognized on our donor wall unless anonymity is requested.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When will construction begin?

 Groundbreaking is scheduled for Spring 2026, with Phase 1 completion targeted for Summer 2027. 

Why Route 1 in Portsmouth?

 This visible, accessible location on a major transit corridor ensures survivors can reach us easily and signals community-wide commitment to ending violence. 

What happens to current facilities?

 We'll continue operating from current locations until the new building is ready, then transition all services to the new campus. 

How will you maintain safety with increased visibility?

 The building is designed with secure entry systems, separate confidential spaces, and safety protocols that protect survivor privacy while welcoming community engagement. 

Can I tour the site?

 We offer site tours for major donors and campaign steering committee members. Contact us to schedule. 

Can I make a pledge over multiple years?

 Yes! Multi-year pledges help us plan effectively. We welcome pledges over 1-5 years. 

Will my gift be tax-deductible?

 Yes. HAVEN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 02-0337620). 

What is your projected timeline?

2025-2026

  • ✓ Campaign quiet phase (complete)
  • ✓ Major gift solicitation (ongoing)
  • Spring 2026: Public campaign launch
  • Spring 2026: Groundbreaking

2026-2027

  • Construction Phase 1
  • Summer 2027: Building completion
  • Late Summer 2027: Move-in and Occupancy 

2027-2029

  • Campaign continues for Phase 2
  • 2029: Phase 2 completion


 

CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP

Honorary Chair

Hon. Martha Fuller Clark
 NH State Senator

Campaign Steering Committee

Lauren Atwood | Elizabeth Bauman | Jayne Begala | Mary Jo Brown | Jenifer Cannon | Andi Creeley | Andrea Daly | Kristina Goumas | Deb Iwanicki | Sandra Jalbert | Aaron Jenkyn | Vanessa McElroy | Jennifer Meconi | Lara Prescott | Amy Sterndale | Lori Waltz | Sarah Welch | Margaret Witherspoon

HAVEN Leadership

Kathy Beebe, Executive Director
Jessie Jakobs, Development Director
Nora Happny McMorran, Volunteer and Marketing Manager
Suzanne Scharff, Development and Events Manager

GET INVOLVED

Beyond Financial Support

Spread the Word
 Share our campaign with your networks, host a house party, or organize a giving circle.

Volunteer
 Join HAVEN's volunteer advocates who answer crisis calls, support survivors, and change lives.

Corporate Partnerships
 Engage your employees through workplace giving campaigns or matching gift programs.

In-Kind Donations
 Professional services, construction materials, furniture, and other in-kind gifts are welcome.

 

Portsmouth, NH

20 International Drive,
Suite 300,
Portsmouth, NH 03801

Phone: 603-436-4107
Fax: 603-436-7951

Rochester, NH

150 Wakefield Street,
Suite 16,
Rochester, NH 03867

 

HAVEN serves Rockingham and Strafford counties, located on the traditional ancestral homeland of Pentucket, Pennacook, Abenaki and Wabanaki Peoples of past and present who were displaced through the 1713 Treaty of Portsmouth. We acknowledge and honor with gratitude the aki (land), nibi (water), and alnobak (people) who have stewarded the N’dakinna (homeland) throughout the generations and continue to be oppressed. While these tribes are not federally recognized, we believe in their right to sovereignty.

HAVEN does not and shall not discriminate based on race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin (ancestry), physical, mental or emotional ability or disability, marital status, sexual orientation, health status (including pregnancy), literacy, language, immigration status, socio-economic status, political affiliation, or military status.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. 

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Non-Profit ID #: 02-0337620

© 2025 HAVEN - Violence Prevention and Support Services. All Rights Reserved.